The man who ran for six straight days to raise money for homelessness will start a far more ambitious challenge on Sunday.
Zach Vella managed to collect €32,000 on behalf of the YMCA when he ran for 360 kilometres last December.
He is now aiming to run over seven times as far when he begins running from London. Vella aims to make the 2,700-kilometre journey to Malta in six weeks, averaging around 60 kilometres a day.
The ultra-marathon runner will leave London’s Mahatma Gandhi Hall at the Indian YMCA at 7 am on Sunday.
From there, Vella will continue south through France, across the Alps into Switzerland, down through Italy and onwards to Sicily, before completing the final leg to Malta, to raise €120,000 for YMCA Malta to strengthen its efforts and expand its drop-in centre and shelter services.
When speaking to Times of Malta about his plans last February Vella said “I always wanted to do a crazy challenge like this…..If you are going to do a great challenge, then the impact should be great as well.”
The aim of his challenge ‘Miles from home’ is aiming to collect 120,000 in support of YMCA Malta.
The homeless helping organisation is seeking to expand and improve its Drop-In Centre, Ċentru Albert Degiorgio and shelter services in response to growing demand for services among individuals experiencing homelessness and vulnerability.
Anthony Camilleri, CEO of YMCA Malta, said the scale of the challenge reflects the seriousness of the cause. “
“This is an extraordinary physical undertaking that symbolises the long and often difficult journey many people face when rebuilding their lives. Zach’s commitment is helping shine a light on the need to strengthen the support systems that so many depend on,” he said.
Throughout the route, Vella will be supported by YMCA networks across Europe. His arrival in Malta, expected in mid-May, will coincide with the YMCA Europe General Assembly, where more than 120 delegates and leaders from across the continent will be gathered on the island.
More information about the run, sponsorship opportunities and donations can be found here.
People can also follow his journey on Instagram @homebound.mt and donations can be made via the website. or on Revolut: 79306655.