By David Barnes
June 5 2011

The scheduled meeting time and pick up by Team Kilimanjaro was 7:30 yesterday morning but everyone was up well before that as a mixture of trepidation and excitement set in.

There are very strict weight limits for baggage on the mountain with 20kg as the maximum allowed. While most managed to obey the limits, the current record is 27kg, which meant some drastic repacking was needed. Mark Regan had his numerous colouring books removed, however luckily they were returned when the rest of the group pleaded he should keep them so he could keep himself entertained.

The porters are the unsung heroes of any Kilimanjaro climb and their largely unseen work is what enables the teams to progress up the mountain. One climber invested considerable money in the latest rucksack, which had all the latest technology. He was so proud of his bag and how he would be helping the guides due to the latest ergonomic designs. Unfortunately the guide did not share the same thoughts and looked at the bag, shrugged, and promptly lifted it up and carried it on his head.

Everyone on the AXA Wealth Climb is facing the challenge of trekking to the highest point on the African continent, but for Andy Blyth it is an incredible achievement that he has actually made it this far. In 2000 Andy was playing for Sale against Saracens when in the process of a tackle he suffered serious damage to his cervical spine at C3&4. This injury was extremely serious and he was initially completely paralysed. As a result it meant he was confined to hospital for the best part of a year before he begun a long and slow rehabilitation. While Andy has made some good progress he is by no means back to normal and walking long distances takes considerable effort.

Andy’s determination to take on Kilimanjaro is an inspiration to all of us. Many of the 41 people on AXA Wealth Climb have an association with Rugby, either as a player, sponsor or supporter and appreciate the risks of playing such a physical game. We are all there to support Andy in what will be a truly remarkable achievement.

The RPA Benevolent Fund and the RFU Injured Players’ Foundation were set up to support the players through times of injury or hardship and are an indispensable part of the rugby family.

We are trekking up the Rongai route over the 7 days, which gave us spectacular views back over the Tanzanian planes into Kenya. As you trek up Kilimanjaro there are four distinctive temperate zones and today was spent trekking through the rainforest on a reasonably short day. The odd Columbus monkey has been spotted however the mythical elephants are yet to appear.

The banter has been flowing as the teams are in great spirits ahead of the challenge however when the clouds parted to give a spectacular view of the summit the group fell very silent as the size of the challenge ahead became very real.

On arrival at the camp last night we are currently at an altitude of 2600m. The weather is still reasonable and we have been able to sit around chatting through the day as we go further up the temperature is expected to drop dramatically.

The AXA Wealth Climb has been split down into 6 separate more manageable groups recognised by colour. While we are mixing up the walking groups every day, each team has it's own dedicated mess tent to eat in.  We are currently eating as our own team, the silver team, however we have sent out an official invite to the red team to join us for dinner tomorrow evening. Black tie is compulsory for admittance.

The AXA Wealth Climb is in aid of Help for Heroes, the RPA Benevolent Fund and the RFU Injured Players’ Foundation.

Please donate by visiting www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/axawealthclimb or by texting the word climb to 70050 to donate £1.50 +usual message rate. 100% of all donations go directly to the charities.