Sandro Grech, who valiantly fought a battle against a rare and aggressive type of leukaemia, has passed away.

His wife Abigail said in a Facebook post that Grech passed away in a hospital in Beijing, China, where he was receiving treatment in a medical trial to try and treat his rare form of leukaemia.

Late last year, Malta rallied around Sandro in what was widely described as a defining moment of national solidarity in order for him to receive this last-change cancer treatment.

In less than 24 hours, the public donated €250,000. Prime Minister Robert Abela then announced that the Government would match the donations with a further €250,000, bringing the total to €500,000.

“Sandro has gone to rest,” his wife Abigail wrote on Facebook.

“After three years of fighting against sickness with everything he had, Sandro left us last night in a hospital in Beijing, China, where he was receiving the treatment that we raised money for with your help,” she said.

“Thank you for giving Sandro the best chance possible to fight for his life – for his family, and for his children,” she said as she thanked all of those who united with them in support.

“We will never forget what you did with us.  Sandro will remain alive in the memory of all those who knew him – and we will continue to love him forever,” she concluded.

The post was signed by Abigail and their two children Giada and Ginevra.

In a post after Grech’s passing was announced, Prime Minister Robert Abela said that upon hearing the sad news he remembered the determination Grech had to live for his family, having met him in London at the apartments run by Puttinu Cares.

“Sandro found the support of the whole country against a rare disease,” he said as he offered his sincere condolences to his family.