A FORMER professional Worcester rugby player is swapping his boots for bare feet as he takes on the Highlands Hiking Charity Challenge.
Marco Mama, who played for Worcester Warriors, is taking part in the hike in Scotland this weekend in support of Bhubesi Pride Foundation.
Born in Nigeria and raised in Zimbabwe, Marco credits Africa with giving him the opportunities that shaped his life and career. Now, as a trustee of BPF, he is determined to give something back to the continent that gave him so much.
He said: “Growing up in Africa, everything was done barefoot. Walking this challenge without shoes is my way of honouring that part of my upbringing while raising awareness and vital funds for children in Africa. Africa is the land that gave me the opportunities I’ve had, and I want to give kids in Africa something back. Every contribution, no matter how small, will help transform lives and open doors of opportunity for children across Africa.”
The Highlands Hiking Charity Challenge will see Marco and fellow fundraisers trek through the Scottish Highlands – taking on the Lairig Ghru and hiking a 19-mile mountain pass from Linn of Dee to Rothiemurchus. For Marco, the challenge is doubly personal – not only does it connect him to his African roots, but also to his Scottish heritage.
As a trustee of BPF, Marco supports the charity’s mission to use sport, education, and coaching to inspire and empower children across Africa, with a specific focus in Malawi. The organisation delivers life-skills programmes, builds community partnerships, and provides safe spaces for children to learn, play, and thrive.
Marco added: “This challenge is about more than just walking – it’s about walking for change. Every step we take helps support BPF’s incredible work, from building schools and classrooms to delivering sports programmes that give children confidence and hope for the future. The terrain is notoriously rocky with the aptly named ‘boulder field’, so I have spent time training and toughening up the soles of my feet.”
Visit bhubesipride.enthuse.com/cf/bpf-s-highland-hiking-charity-challenge to donate.
