Mrs Miriam Vella, Hospice Malta Patron, Peter Calamatta, author of “Xi Ħadd Hemm Fuq Iħobbni” and Mrs Bernadette Bonnici Kind, Hospice Malta Chairperson | Photo: Robert@Fotoclassic

Peter Calamatta has launched his book “Xi Ħadd Hemm Fuq Iħobbni” with proceeds going entirely to Hospice Malta.

The launch was held in the presence of Mrs Miriam Vella, Hospice Malta Patron, at the Presidential Palace at San Anton on Wednesday 28th October.

“Xi Ħadd Hemm Fuq Iħobbni” can be obtained from the Hospice Malta online shop on www.hospicemalta.org against a donation of €15 that will go towards Hospice Malta.

Hospice Malta is an NGO whose primary role is to provide free palliative care services to patients suffering from cancer, motor-neuron disease, end-of-life, cardiac, renal and liver diseases.

The book is a personal account of Peter Calamatta’s 24-year battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He was diagnosed at 56 years of age and was told he only had three months left to live. Peter’s story provides courage for all those who have faced difficulties particularly through life-threatening illness.

Hospice Malta Chairperson, Bernadette Bonnici Kind thanked Peter Calamatta on behalf of the entire Hospice team and the families it supports. “It is through noble initiatives like these, from individuals and organisations, that Hospice Malta is able to sustain its operations, providing free of charge palliative care to more than 1,300 families each year. COVID-19 has had a negative impact on us all, particularly the most vulnerable. Hospice Malta has had to cancel most fundraising events this year, and with this have come a number of struggles. I urge members of the public to acquire Peter’s book which is a heartfelt story of one man’s battle for survival, against all odds. It is a life lesson in positivity and faith.”

During her speech, Mrs Miriam Vella, the First Lady of Malta and Patron of Hospice Malta explained how sharing such experiences helps to encourage those who unfortunately are going through similar troubles. Mrs Vella said that the restrictions imposed by the health authorities and the lack of contact with our loved ones are creating invisible walls and she took the opportunity to appeal to all to stay in contact with our loved ones, at least virtually.

Peter Calamatta is best known locally as an avid philanthropist, landscape architect, a writer and a singer.