Maltese runner embarks on a London-to-Malta run for the homeless

A 33-year-old endurance runner from Mġarr is planning to run more than 2,600 kilometres from London to Malta to raise funds for homeless and roofless people in Malta. 

Zach Vella will take on the ambitious challenge titled ‘Miles from Home’, which will see him run from the YMCA Indian student hostel in London to the YMCA in Malta, covering an average of around 60 kilometres a day for more than six weeks. The challenge is set to begin on March 22.

“I always wanted to do a crazy challenge like this,” Vella said. “If you are going to do a great challenge, then the impact should be great as well.”

The aim of the challenge is to raise €100,000 for YMCA Malta, which is seeking to expand and improve its Drop-In Centre, Ċentru Albert Degiorgio, as well as its shelter services. The organisation has reported growing demand for its services among individuals experiencing homelessness and vulnerability.

As he makes his way across Europe, Vella will be supported by YMCA networks in various countries.

Coincidentally, his arrival in Malta is expected to coincide with the YMCA Europe general assembly, which will bring more than 120 delegates and leaders to the island.

Although Vella said he has never experienced homelessness himself, he explained that his motivation comes from working directly with vulnerable people.

He said he had worked with homeless individuals in Australia and had also volunteered in soup kitchens.

“Many of us, myself included, are coming from a place of privilege, and I think it is our duty to help.

“In the process, you won’t even notice it, but you aren’t only helping others, you are also helping yourself feel more fulfilled,” Vella said.

Vella added that his life changed for the better about a year ago, when he committed to developing Homebound, an independent platform and movement raising awareness and support for people experiencing homelessness in Malta.

The initiative combines physical movement with community engagement to foster empathy, raise awareness, and drive tangible change for people who are homeless or roofless.

Many of us, myself included, are coming from a place of privilege, and I think it is our duty to help

Vella said he is friends with several endurance runners who have taken on major challenges in recent years, including Marco Bezzina, who ran 300 kilometres in 50 hours last year, and David Micallef, who ran 330 kilometres in three days, also last year.

“I felt like people were doing challenges in silos, and I wanted to create a platform we can reuse and reuse, not just creating a new campaign every time,” he said.

In December, Vella ran 360 kilometres and raised €32,000 for homeless people, exceeding his initial target of €20,000.

Ahead of his departure to London, Homebound is organising a community day on Tuesday, February 10, a public holiday, from 9.30am until 4pm at the Mediterranean College of Sport.

The event is intended to allow members of the public and businesses to connect with Homebound, learn how to support YMCA Malta and take part in physical activities.

It will feature food stands, workshops on sports psychiatry, classes on mindful movement, yoga, nutrition and running techniques, as well as a dedicated children’s area.

Businesses or individuals wishing to support YMCA Malta through Vella’s challenge can contact Homebound via its Linktree on Instagram or by sending an e-mail to info@homebound.mt.

Donations can be made via Revolut on 99679729 and more information is available online.