It’s been 10 years – a decade since Annabelle Vassallo passed on to a better life. Annabelle stole the hearts of locals everywhere after her story was shared on Xarabank in 2010, becoming widely known.

Annabella was battling a terminal disease, one which she started fighting in 2006 at 35 years of age. On 24^th January 2011, however, she sadly passed away. She was and will be forever known for her positivity shown throughout what was possibly one of the most difficult periods in her life.

She had also written the popular book Irrid Nghix (I want to live) after the Xarabank programme was aired. The book sold over 18,000 copies and all profits went towards Puttinu Cares.

Some years after her passing, a commemorative street plaque was placed between Triq Lapsi and Triq l-Imqabba in Siggiewi in 2015. She touched so many locals’ lives, so much so that her funeral was broadcast live on television.