Jake Vella, who for years battled a rare condition, has died on Friday.

Prime Minister Robert Abela was among the first to comment about the young man's death, saying that he had left a big impact on everyone's life.

Jake was always at the ready to help others rather than seek to help himself, Abela wrote on the social media. 

The 15-year-old had a rare condition called ROHHAD; Rapid-onset Obesity with Hypothalamic dysfunction, Hypoventilation, and Autonomic Dysregulation.

This made it extremely difficult to lose weight in spite of a healthy diet and exercise.

Vella stole many people's hearts with his courage and determination to fight his condition.

He was being treated at Mater Dei Hospital in the last weeks as his condition worsened.

Vella had organised a series of swimming challenges and other events to raise awarness about the condition as well as raise funds for abandoned animals, including an event which was done in collaboration with the wife of Prime Minister Lydia Abela.

His fighting spirit pushed him to practise boxing and learn to play the drums, guitar and piano.