WARRINGTON Wolves legend Lee Briers is part of a team of 36 climbers who will be tackling Kilimanjaro in October to raise funds for the Steve Prescott Foundation.
Briers will be joined by fellow former Wolves players Adrian Morley, Mike Wainwright, Garreth Carvell and Alan Hunte, as well as other rugby league personalities including Barrie McDermott, Sky Sports presenter Angela Powers and Harry Potter actor Matt Lewis.
The challenge is to climb the 19341ft mountain in just 5 days instead of the more usual 9 days. It will challenge each individual’s fitness and mental stamina at high altitude.
Each climber aims to raise at least £4000 for the 3 charities of the SPF, the Christie Hospital, Try Assist and the Oxford Transplant Foundation.
The official launch of the climb took place in Manchester, and was attended by Steve’s wife, Linzi Prescott, SPF General Manager Martin Blondel and climb sponsors Spectrum Group Managing Director Neil Farrow.
The climbers will also make an attempt at the Guinness Book of Records World Record for the Highest Altitude Rugby League match. This will take place at Kosovo Camp at 5760 metres.
The 36 climbers will divide into two teams and play a full 80 minute game under Rugby Football League International Federation rules.
Former international and Super League referee Steve Ganson has also agreed to join the climb and will officiate the match.
Martin Blondel said: “This challenge epitomises Steve Prescott’s legacy.
“Steve would be elated so many people have stepped forward to take up this epic challenge and break a world record in the process which will never be beaten.
“Every pound raised on this challenge takes us a step closer the magical million pounds raised by the SPF.”
The party will be led by SPF committee member Ade Cunliffe who was one of a party of twelve who completed the 2013 challenge.
Further information about the challenge can be found athttp://steveprescottfoundation.co.uk/spectrum-kilimanjaro-challenge-2015
