Ocean Holidays runners help raise £25,000 with Victoria Falls challenge

A team of 13 from Ocean Holidays were among a group of 30 runners from the UK who raised more than £25,000 for a charity by taking part in the Victoria Falls marathon.

They were running in support of Play it Forward, a Zambia-based charity founded by Attraction Tickets chief executive Olly Brendon, which helps young people in Livingstone through sport, education, nutrition and sexual health awareness, with a particular focus on helping girls.

Brendon said: “It was an absolute joy to host a group of 30 incredible individuals from the UK who travelled to Zambia to run the Victoria Falls marathon in support of Play it Forward.”

Before the race, the runners visited some of the charity’s grassroots projects at its football academy and Katubya School, spanning nutrition, education, health and female empowerment.

“One of the most powerful moments came at our gala dinner, where Mercy, our inspirational U17 girls’ coach, shared her story,” said Brendon.

“Growing up, she faced enormous challenges simply for wanting to play football.

“Her journey moved us all – a powerful reminder of how Play it Forward is helping dismantle gender stereotypes and empower the next generation of girls through sport.”

He said the charity’s girls’ team now competes in the Zambian Super League, with four players representing Zambia at national level – all from vulnerable backgrounds in the Dambwe community.