A police officer who was injured last year in a tragic accident while fixing a punctured tyre urged people to donate blood.
In a Facebook post, Chris Bonello marked a year since the accident, which he said completely changed his life.
“Although from the outside, several see me ‘well’, the truth is I’m still leading a difficult life and will carry with me the consequences for the rest of my life.Â
“All of this is the result of the carelessness of a person who continues living a normal life, and who, so far, has not yet paid for what they did, and I don’t exclude they would cause something similar,” he said.
Bonello, then 29, was fixing a punctured tyre on a Ford Fiesta that stopped on Dawret il-Gudja at around 7.45pm on December 13, 2024, when he was hit by a Skoda Fabia.
Bonello, who was off-duty during the accident, was seriously injured and rushed to Mater Dei Hospital.
In the following days, close friends had urged people to donate blood, as the Guardamangia Blood Bank said reserves were low.
Bonello is now renewing the appeal.
“I am still alive thanks to all those who, at the time, donated blood. Hundreds of people whom I might not know, but who, with their small action, saved my life.
“Every drop helps. Today, more than ever, those who can donate blood need to do so and give a new chance at life for others.”
Those who wish to give blood and have any queries should phone 8007 4313 to check if they are eligible. Donors should take their identity card, driving licence or Maltese passport with them.
To keep updated, look up National Blood Transfusion Service – Malta on Facebook.