Former Nailsea & Backwell rugby player launches 105-mile walking challenge
Tony Perfect is starting his journey with Thornbury Rugby Club as he launches his 72-hour tour from 2 o'clock today (March 2) in memory of his friend who died from cancer last year
A former Nailsea & Backwell rugby player is today embarking on a 72-hour journey - with the aim of walking 105 miles in memory of his friend who died from cancer in 2022.
The 105-Mile Walking Challenge involved 25 rugby clubs across the West of England area, starting at Thornbury Rugby Club and ending in time for Nailsea & Backwell’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 supporting to our club. Cheryl was a great supporter of Sporting Family Change too, so I wanted to do something in her memory.”
Sporting Family Change, based in the Somer Valley, 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 Covid-19.
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.”
The walk's route
Tony's 105-mile walk takes in the following clubs:
Friday:
- Avonmouth RFC - 5am
- St Brendan's RFC
- United Bristol Hospitals RFC
- Southmead RFC
- BAC Rugby Club - New Players Wanted
- Lockleaze Sports Centre
- BISHOPSTON FC | Bristol
- 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
Saturday:
- Yatton RFC
- Clevedon RFC
- Gordano Rugby Football Club
- Nailsea & Backwell in time for kick off 1st XV v Avonmouth OB.
You can find out more about the progress of Tony's fundraising mission on the Local Giving website.
Find out more at about Sporting Family Change here.