LONG-TERM Ram Tony Saunders is set for a gruelling challenge as he takes on the 100km Race to the Stones to fundraise for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

The 66-year-old first joined Rams in 1979, playing alongside the likes of Andy Lynch, Joe Bell, Roddy Vaughan, John Beardmore, Chris Carter and lots of others who he now sees as a supporter, his playing career cut short after setting up his own business meant he had limited time.

However, the former centre or wing has continued to stay fit and is now ready for an epic challenge as he takes on the route along the Ridgeway from Lewknor to the Avebury Stone Circle.

More than 3,000 people are due to take part on the weekend of July 12/13, some trying to win £1,000 by breaking the course record, while others like Tony are seeking to raise as much money as possible for various charities.

He explained: “I’m doing the full 100km in two days – you can do it in one go – but I’m far too old for that whereas you have the super-fit youngsters who will smash it in one.

“I’ve never done one of these before, but I’ve always been active and enjoyed running – I’ve done quite a few half marathons and then my first full marathon in Brighton earlier this year with my wife Helen, also a keen Rams supporter.

“This is different, though, because of the elevation gain, I think it’s about 1,500m and so people of my age tend to run the flats and slopes, walk the hills and do a bit of crawling in
between!

“Helen will be there supporting me, hopefully my son Harry and daughter Ella and then some other friends at Goring which is about halfway on the first day.”

He continued: “I only played for three or so years because I began working for myself and time got difficult, but it was always a good bunch and the great thing with rugby is you just get such a mix of people and a very welcoming club.

“And I’m proud of the way the club has grown – the past 10 years have been incredible.

“Chris got me back down to watch a game at National Three when it was probably 150 people, but I’ve been back following steadily since then and it’s just a great atmosphere.

“It’s been great to see the success, not quite enough, but I’m sure we’ll get there!”

And explaining his passion for running and why he has chosen the charity for Motor Neurone Disease research, Tony added: “At first it was just a bit of fitness, we moved to Sonning Common which has lots of trails and it’s just so open to run – my sense of direction is good, so I can always find my way back!

“When Doddie was first recognised with the illness, then Rob Burrow, Ed Slater at Gloucester, the footballers Steven Darby and Marcus Stewart and many others, it struck me as a horrible, debilitating disease, not only for the person but also for friends and family.

“But the rugby connection is a little more pertinent which is why I want to raise as much as possible for the charity.

“Every weekend people are out doing things for charity and it’s just fantastic for everyone – cake sales, runs, so much other stuff – but if there is anyone at Rams who wants to donate it
would be massively appreciated.

“All donations will go to the Doddie Weir foundation to help with care and research into hopefully one day finding a cure!”

To support Tony on his massive challenge, click here