Members of the training academies of Countrywide Surveying Services (CSS), suppliers of valuation panel management services, and SDL Surveying, the national residential surveying and valuations firm, are to go head-to-head in a Route 66 Charity Challenge in aid of LionHeart, the independent charity for RICS professionals.

Route 66 is a 2,400-mile highway in the USA, starting in Chicago and finishing in Santa Monica, Los Angeles. Kicking off on 1 June, CSS and SDL are challenging 20 individuals from both businesses’ academies to try and get as far along Route 66 as they possibly can over the course of the month by walking, running, cycling and swimming.

The progress of both teams will be captured during the course of June via the Strava app, plotted on the Route 66 charity map, with updates posted on Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter under the hashtag #SDLCSSRoute66.

At the end of the month, the academy that has carried out the most miles will be declared the winner in this head-to-head battle.

Both teams are raising money for LionHeart, and donations can be made on the specific Route 66 Just Giving page, accessible at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/css-sdl-route66challenge

LionHeart is a charity focused on helping RICS members and their families in times of need. From APC candidates, right through their career and into retirement, to past members and their partners and dependents, LionHeart is focused on those who require help, from providing financial grants to confidential advice and counselling, through to legal and work-related support.

Sarah Chalmers-Stevens, head of professional development at CSS, said: “We recognise the importance of bringing new talent into the surveying industry and have successfully trained over 200 individuals over the last 10 years, who are now AssocRICS qualified and enjoying fulfilling roles as residential surveyors.

“This initiative between our two training academies is obviously a bit of fun, but also highlights the importance we both place on our academies, plus supports a charity close to our hearts, LionHeart.”

Adrian Drummond, assistant training & quality care manager at SDL Surveying, added: “At SDL, we’re passionate about enabling our people to develop personally and professionally. The SDL Academy supports surveyors at all levels: from trainees hoping to achieve their AssocRICS, right through to APC candidates and more experienced professionals looking to attain their FRICS accreditation.

“It’s great to see both of our academies come together for this challenge – with a small amount of friendly rivalry – to encourage the next generation of surveying talent to shine, while also raising money for a fantastic cause in LionHeart.”