After spending 51 days running across Europe, Maltese endurance athlete Zach Vella has successfully completed his remarkable journey from London to Malta, raising more than €145,000 in support of YMCA Malta.
The athlete began the challenge in London nearly two months ago, covering an impressive average of 55 kilometres each day. His route took him through France, Switzerland, and Italy before he finally made his way home to Malta.
He arrived on the island via catamaran from Sicily and was greeted by family and friends, who accompanied him on a symbolic final run to YMCA Malta’s headquarters in Valletta.
Speaking after finishing the challenge, Zach described the achievement as a lifelong dream and thanked the public for their overwhelming encouragement and generosity throughout the journey. He said the support he received helped him push through the toughest moments of the run.
The money raised will allow YMCA Malta to expand its drop-in centre, creating additional space for essential services such as meals, showers, counselling, and day-to-day assistance for individuals facing homelessness.
Part of the fundraising effort will also contribute towards completing a semi-independent living apartment designed to accommodate six people transitioning from homelessness to independent living.
Among the contributions was a €60,000 donation from the Alfred Mizzi Foundation, while several other companies offered services and support in kind.
Anthony Camilleri, CEO of YMCA Malta, said the initiative achieved far more than fundraising alone, adding that it helped shine a national spotlight on the ongoing issue of homelessness in Malta.
Donations in support of the cause are still being accepted through @homebound.mt.
Well done Zach!