A DEDICATED former rugby player is planning to walk 100 miles, passing 29 rugby clubs in the region, for charity and in memory of his friend.
Tony Perfect - a former Nailsea & Backwell rugby player - plans to start his walk at Thornbury Rugby Club tomorrow (Thursday, March 2) completing the walk in time for his old club's usual Saturday fixture.
Taking in clubs from Keynsham to Ashton Gate, and Clevedon to Kingswood, he will be raising money for local charity Sporting Family Change, in memory of his friend Cheryl Reed from Bristol, who died from cancer last year.
He said: “I coached Cheryl and Ian’s son, Joe, and the couple were hugely supportive of our club.
"Cheryl was a great supporter of Sporting Family Change too, so I wanted to do something in her memory.”
Sporting Family Change, which is based in the South West, uses sport to empower, inspire, and motivate people into making positive long-term lifestyle changes.
The charity was set up in 2014 by Jimmy Deane, a former Bath rugby player, and has grown significantly over the past two years, working with individuals and families disproportionately affected by the impact of the pandemic.
Jimmy, who will be joining Tony for part of the walking challenge, said: “We are really grateful to Tony.
“As a charity we are privileged to support children, young people and adults.
“Despite our name, it’s really not about being super sporty or super fit – it’s about bringing people together from all walks of life, having fun, enjoying activities and meeting new people.”
Tony has so far raised more than £1,000 but he is hoping to raise more funds this week.
You can donate to the fundraiser at - https://localgiving.org/appeal/TonyWalks/
You can find out more about Sporting Life Change at - https://sportingfamilychange.co.uk/
Tony’s walk takes in the following clubs: Avonmouth Old Boys RFC, St Brendan's RFC, United Bristol Hospitals RFC, Southmead RFC, BAC Rugby Club, Lockleaze Sports Centre, Bishopston RFC, Ashley Down Old Boys RFC, Dings Crusaders RFC, Old Colstonians RFC, Whitehall Rugby Club, Barton Hill RFC, Cleve RFC, Kingswood Rugby Club, Keynsham Rugby, Bristol Harlequins RFC, Old Redcliffians RFC, Bristol Telephones Rugby, Bristol Barbarians RFC, St Bernadettes Old Boys Rugby Club, Bristol Imperial RFC, Broad Plain RFC, Ashton Gate Stadium (Bristol Bears Rugby), Cotham Park RFC, Old Bristolians RFC, Yatton RFC, Clevedon RFC, Gordano Rugby Football Club as well as Nailsea & Backwell in time for Saturday's kick off.
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