Zach Vella: From London to Malta, One Step at a Time for the Homeless

Imagine, if you will, the sight of a lone runner, a speck on the horizon, trudging through the English countryside, his eyes fixed on the distant sea. This was not a runner chasing a personal best, but a man on a mission, a mission to bring hope to the homeless, one step at a time. This was Zach Vella, a Maltese man who embarked on an epic journey from London to his homeland, Malta.

An Idea Born of Compassion

Zach, a 32-year-old software engineer, was not always a long-distance runner. But when he saw the growing number of homeless people on the streets of London, he felt compelled to do something. “I’ve always been passionate about helping those in need,” he says, “and I thought, why not combine my love for running with my desire to make a difference?”

And so, the idea for ‘Run for the Homeless’ was born. Zach planned to run from London to Malta, covering over 1,800 kilometers, to raise awareness and funds for the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation, which supports various causes, including homelessness.

A Journey of Endurance and Inspiration

On September 1st, 2021, Zach set off from the iconic Tower Bridge in London. He ran through the green fields of France, up the steep hills of Switzerland, and across the scenic Italian countryside. He faced blisters, fatigue, and even a bout of COVID-19 that set him back by several weeks. But he persevered, driven by the thought of those who had nowhere to call home.

His journey took a poignant turn when he reached the Mediterranean coast. “I could see Malta on the horizon,” he recalls, “and it was an emotional moment. I knew I was running for something bigger than myself.”

On December 12th, after 103 days and 1,850 kilometers, Zach finally reached his destination – the iconic Siege Bell in Valletta. He was greeted by cheering crowds, many of whom had followed his journey on social media. His epic run had not only raised awareness but also over €10,000 for the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation.

Inspiring Change in Malta and Beyond

Zach’s run has sparked conversations about homelessness in Malta. “We often think of homelessness as a problem that only affects big cities,” says Dr. Maria Attard, a social worker at the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation. “But it’s a reality here too. Zach’s run has brought this issue to the forefront.”

Zach’s story has also inspired others to take action. “I’ve received messages from people saying they want to do their own runs or fundraisers,” he says. “That’s what I set out to do – to inspire people to make a difference, no matter how big or small.”

As for Zach, he’s not ready to hang up his running shoes just yet. He’s already planning his next challenge – a run across all seven continents. But for now, he’s content to rest, knowing that his journey has made a difference.

“I ran from London to Malta, but it was the people who ran with me in spirit who made this journey truly epic,” he says. “Together, we’ve shown that one person’s passion can inspire a nation to care.”