The family and friends of cancer survivor and footballer Ramiro Mallia who died from a heater gas leak, have woken up this morning to mourn over his tragic loss. 

19-year-old Ramiro Mallia lost his life in Qormi after losing consciousness due to a gas leak heater. The incident took place at 4.30pm on Wednesday. He was given first aid by a medical team on site but died after reaching Mater Dei Hospital. 

At just two years and nine months of age, Ramiro was diagnosed with leukaemia but survived the illness and was declared cancer-free a couple years after his diagnosis. As a result, Ramiro spent most of life raising awareness about the Puttinu Cares Foundation to help other cancer patients. 

In his very last post, hours before he lost his life, Ramiro Mallia wrote on his Facebook page urging people to buy figolli in aid of Puttinu Cares. He also recently set up a Facebook page called Ramiro & Friends to raise awareness about cancer survivors, Puttinu Cares as well as the Malta Community Chest Fund (MCCF).  

There have been countless tributes for well-known and loved Ramiro Mallia since his death. 

The Puttinu Cares Foundation expressed its shock and disbelief at Ramiro’s passing, saying that the young man had always had a smile on his face and had beaten cancer when he was just three years old. 

They described Ramiro as a “sweet and brave youth who was always smiling.” 

“We are shocked and heartbroken. You were a heartful volunteer and always ready to help in every marathon,” they said before offering their condolences to Mallia’s family. 

The Malta Football Association also expressed its deep sadness at the news and said that Ramiro was a “football enthusiast through and through, who came through the ranks of Qormi F.C. and played on loan for the Marsaskala FC youth teams this season.” 

Saint Elias College was also amongst the many who offered their deepest condolences to Mallia’s family. 

Since Ramiro was very much devoted to helping cancer patients through Puttinu Cares, the school have suggested to raise a good sum of money and pass it on to Puttinu Cares in honour of Ramiro. Several others have also urged people to donate to the charity in his name. 

According to the Karl Vella Foundation, which supports children coming from families affected by illness, said that Ramiro was just a young child still at school when he organised his first marathon in aid of the charity. The event then turned into an annual one. 

Meanwhile, former president Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca expressed her condolences and described Ramiro as being an altruistic person who lived an inspiring life.