Zach Vella’s Marathon of Hope: From London to Malta for the Homeless

Imagine running 1,600 kilometers, not for a medal or a personal best, but to raise awareness and funds for Malta’s homeless. This is exactly what local athlete Zach Vella accomplished, as he completed his epic journey from London to his hometown, Valletta, on Saturday.

An Inspiring Journey

Zach’s run, which began on September 1, took him through seven countries – the UK, France, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Austria, and finally, Malta. He faced harsh weather conditions, physical exhaustion, and mental challenges. Yet, he pushed on, fueled by the cause he believed in and the support he received along the way.

“I’ve had days where I wanted to give up,” Zach admitted, “But I thought about the people I’m doing this for, and that kept me going.”

Malta’s Homeless Crisis

Malta’s homeless population has been on the rise in recent years. According to the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector, there were over 700 homeless people in Malta in 2020. Zach’s run aimed to shed light on this often overlooked issue and raise funds for local charities supporting the homeless.

“We have a homeless crisis in Malta,” Zach said, “And it’s something we need to talk about more openly. I hope my run has started that conversation.”

A Warm Welcome Home

Zach was greeted by a cheering crowd at the Triton Fountain in Valletta’s City Gate on Saturday afternoon. Among them were representatives from local charities like Dar Merħba Biss, which supports the homeless, and the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector.

Dar Merħba Biss’ director, Fr. Martin Micallef, praised Zach’s initiative, saying, “Zach has shown us that one person can make a difference. His run has not only raised funds but also awareness about the plight of Malta’s homeless.”

Zach’s journey may be over, but his mission continues. He plans to keep raising funds and advocating for the homeless. You can still contribute to his cause via his JustGiving page.