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Family to run, walk and cycle the length of America's Route 66 to raise money for Vigo Rugby Football Club

A family is aiming to cycle, run and walk the distance of America's Route 66 to raise money for a rugby club.

Michael Szodi, wife Louise, 42, and their 11-year-old son, Oliver, from The Coppice, Vigo, are aiming to complete the 2,280 mile journey by August.

Michael, Louise and Oliver Szodi are raising money for Vigo Rugby Football Club
Michael, Louise and Oliver Szodi are raising money for Vigo Rugby Football Club

They began fundraising for Vigo Rugby Football Club at the beginning of February.

Michael, a 44-year-old analyst, is a junior coach and player.

He said: "Covid-19 has hit people and businesses in many different ways and more often than not it's been for the worst.

"Vigo RFC is no exception. Like many others, our club was unable to open fully during much of 2020 and with a country-wide lockdown at the beginning of 2021, it had to close its doors again.

"The club is home to over 200 members, old and young, and is an integral part of the Vigo community.

"As a family, we decided we needed to do something to keep the club going while we gradually ease our way out of lockdown.

Michael Szodi
Michael Szodi

"We are aiming to raise whatever we can to ensure our club can continue to offer community rugby at all levels as well as provide a social hub for its members and their guests."

The family has a strong connection with the club - Louise is vice chairman of the junior committee and Oliver plays for the junior league.

The family was inspired by previous fundraisers.

Just over a year ago, club members raised more than £1,800 for NHS charities after walking 973km, the equivalent of visiting every rugby club in Kent, Sussex and south east London.

Michael said: "I was looking at things we could do to raise money.

Michael, Louise and Oliver are walking, cycling and running the distance of Route 66
Michael, Louise and Oliver are walking, cycling and running the distance of Route 66

"I saw that people were walking the length of America's Route 66 and we decided to just go for it."

US Highway 66, popularly known as Route 66, is known for being America's first all-weather highway linking Chicago to Los Angeles.

The trio will be cycling, walking and running just over 2,280 miles. Together, they are aiming to cover 13 miles a day over six months.

Michael added: "So far, we have walked 950 miles and already beaten our £1,000 target.

"We were worried about asking for donations as we understand how tough the last year has been financially.

"We know it is hard to get money together but members of the club have been so generous.

"By August 1 and after combining walking, running and cycling we hope to cross our finish line at Vigo Rugby Football Club rather than Santa Monica Pier on the sunny Californian coast."

To donate, visit the fundraising page here.

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