One year ago yesterday, police sergeant Simon Schembri’s life changed forever when he was run over in Luqa by an underage driver and had to amputate his right arm.

And as a sign of gratitude, the Maltese state, through the Good Causes Fund, gifted Schembri, a motorbike enthusiast, a special bike with all the necessary adjustments that will allow him to ride with one arm.

The gift was unveiled yesterday at a reception in Schembri’s honour, leaving the police stunned

“I could sense that some surprise was coming, but this has left me breathless and I don’t know what to say,” he said. “I thank you all, but I felt my heart was going to hit the floor. You truly left me speechless.”

Schembri was run over by 17-year-old Liam Debono, who he had stopped after noticing his car’s dark tinted windows and later found out he was driving without a seatbelt or a license. Debono has been charged with attempted murder and is pleading not guilty.

Schembri has since set up the Blue Light Foundation, which provides financial and psychological aid to first responders involved in serious incidents.

Cover photo: Simon Schembri Blue Light Foundation

READ NEXT: Man Who Drove Into Police Motorbike In Ħamrun ‘Tries To Strangle Himself In Court’ After Learning He Is Going To Jail

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]