London To Malta runner Zach Vella reaches Italy after \u2018scary but beautiful\u2019 alpine crossing<\/p>\n
Ultra-endurance athlete Zach Vella is approaching the halfway mark of his extraordinary London-to-Malta run, having covered 1,210 kilometres with 1,489 kilometres to go.<\/p>\n
The run, Miles From Home, part of his Homebound project, has already raised €60,000 for YMCA Malta, to help people experiencing homelessness.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, Vella crossed into Italy a full day ahead of schedule, marking a significant moment in the mission as he began the descent towards Malta.<\/p>\n
The milestone comes after one of the most challenging stretches of the journey so far, a dramatic and physically demanding crossing through the Swiss Alps.<\/p>\n
The toughest day of the run came just before entering Italy, during a crossing of the Albula Pass in Switzerland, one of the most remote and unforgiving sections of the route.<\/p>\n
Faced with knee-deep snow covering approximately 18 kilometres, Vella pressed on through terrain that was completely unmarked and devoid of human presence. With the support vehicle unable to reach him, he and a crew member, Daniel, continued alone for several hours, navigating extreme conditions and avalanche risk.<\/p>\n
Although a train route was available to bypass the pass, Vella chose to continue on foot to preserve what he described as “the purity of the mission”.<\/p>\n
The support team was forced to drive over two hours around the mountain to reconnect with them on the other side.<\/p>\n
“It was scary but beautiful,” said Vella. “We were deep in the high Alps, in the snow. There was a road that wasn’t maintained so we had to separate from the van and go up the Albula Pass alone. It was a bit scary at points because we’re not accustomed to these surroundings. Sometimes we were knee-deep in the snow and had to help each other out. There was nobody there, it was completely evacuated.”<\/p>\n
“When we saw the van again, it was very emotional. It felt like seeing a home. It made me reflect on people who sleep outside exposed to these conditions. And what it must feel like to them to finally get an actual home.”<\/p>\n
Despite earlier concerns around knee and calf strain in the lead-up to the run, Vella is currently in strong physical condition and gaining momentum.<\/p>\n
“We’re feeling strong and getting stronger. I feel like I’m getting fitter,” he said.<\/p>\n
The team also overcame technical challenges along the way, including electrical issues with the support vehicle, which were resolved by the crew while Vella continued through the mountains.<\/p>\n
Now descending into Italy, the journey enters a new phase, both geographically and symbolically, as Vella continues towards Malta with growing support behind him.<\/p>\n
The run aims to raise funds and awareness for YMCA Malta’s services supporting vulnerable individuals, including those experiencing homelessness.<\/p>\n
With nearly half the distance now complete and €60,000 already raised, the mission continues to gather pace, powered by resilience, purpose, and a growing community of supporters.<\/p>\n
The challenge aims to raise €120,000 for YMCA Malta to support and expand its services for individuals experiencing homelessness and vulnerability, including the Drop-In Centre, Ċentru Albert Degiorgio.<\/p>\n
Donations can be made at https:\/\/homebound.mt<\/a> or via Revolut on 79306655.<\/p>\n More information about the run can be found at linktr.ee\/homebound.mt.<\/p>\n