Malta’s youngest triathlete was urgently rushed to hospital last night after he encountered respiratory problems and couldn’t communicate with his family. One person close to the family told us that Jake is currently still sleeping at Mater Dei’s ITU.

A message was posted on Facebook asking for prayers for the young boy, and within minutes hundreds had reacted to the news, offering messages of courage and solidarity. In 15 hours, the post racked up over 2,000 reactions and nearly 500 comments.

Jake battles one of the rarest conditions known to man, called ROHHAD NET, which he shares with only about 75 people. Due to his condition, Jake keeps gaining weight no matter how much he exercises or eats right. Even though he leads one of the healthiest and most active lives ever, his condition will only deteriorate as he gets older. No one with ROHHAD has ever lived past the age of 20.

Two years ago, Jake won the hearts of the Maltese and millions around the world when his condition was made public. Last month he fulfilled his dream of meeting his heroes, the Brownlee Brothers who are, like Jake, triathletes holding a number of Olympic and World Championship titles. Jake also competes in marathons and triathlons and has been described as "an inspiration to the triathlon world."

Stay strong, Jake!