There were emotional scenes at the Malta airport today as Nigel, the young boy whose plea for a heart transplant touched the hearts of many, arrived back home after a successful operation. 

After spending 10 months in London awaiting a heart transplant, undergoing a major operation and recovering, Nigel received a hero’s welcome as he arrived back in Malta today. His family, friends and even President Marie-Louise Coleiro applauded and embraced him as he emerged from arrivals on his father’s shoulders, flashing his signature smile. 

“I feel so happy, I know people here were supporting me and other kids in my situation,” Nigel told Xarabank. “Now I feel like I can run as much I want and I don’t think I will ever stop. I would like to say thank you to the person who gave me his heart because he saved my life and allowed me to continue living and running.”

Several thousands of people had watched Nigel’s Xarabank interview last year, in which he stoically said he is confident he will be able to get a heart transplant. 

“Sometimes my heart hurts a lot, and that’s when I cry,” Nigel said. “It would be hurting me a lot, and I would also be asking ‘Why is it hurting me?’ But then, when it stops hurting me, I stop crying. I only cry because I get worried that something is going to happen to me, but then I fight it and I tell myself nothing’s going to happen because Jesus is taking care of me.”

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Tim Diacono

Tim is interested in the rapid evolution of human society and is passionate about justice, human rights and cutting-edge political debates. You can follow him on Instagram or Twitter/X at @timdiacono or reach out to him at [email protected]