You are viewing 1 of your 2 free articles
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.
The team from Ocean Holidays – dubbed Ocean’s 13 – ran a combined total of 118 miles from Zimbabwe to Zambia, over the Victoria Falls. The total mileage is the distance from the company’s Romford headquarters to the English Channel.
Ocean Holidays co-chief executive Harry Hastings and his brother George, Ocean Holidays’ managing director, were among the runners.
Harry Hastings said: “Olly and his team at Play it Forward have created an incredible and unique model that ensures 100% of any funds raised goes straight to helping vulnerable young people with a focus on girls and women on the ground in Livingstone, Zambia, using football as a catalyst for change.
“Some of our team at Ocean Holidays got to see the great work Play it Forward does, and compete in a very special run to the Victoria falls from Zimbabwe to Zambia.
“Across the wider group…were various winners and medallists including Ocean Holidays’ very own Tessa Bishop coming fifth for the full marathon in her age category.”
Brendon now plans to have a team of 100 for next year’s Victoria Falls marathon and the charity is working with tour operator partner Far and Wild to develop an itinerary.
He highlighted how the charity has a “bold” vision, having recently purchased land in Livingstone, to develop pitches, changing rooms, a kitchen and restaurant, accommodation for players and supporters, and eventually a stadium.
Those interesting in joining next year’s event can contact Jake Criswick at Play it Forward on jake@play-itforward.org and Ben Morison at Far & Wild on ben@farandwild.travel.
To find out more about the charity click here, or to donate to the Ocean’s 13 total, click here.
More: Ocean Holidays runners to tackle 118-mile Victoria Falls challenge
Related Content
Jacobs Media is a company registered in England and Wales, company number 08713328. 3rd Floor, 52 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0AU
© 2025 Jacobs Media
