Wales head coach Warren Gatland and 15 former Wales rugby captains have left Wales for Africa ahead of their climb of Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for a cancer charity.
The team, including Wales assistant coach Rob Howley, Mark Taylor, Eddie Butler and Dragons forwards coach Colin Charvis, are attempting to raise £1m for the Velindre Cancer Centre’s Stepping Stones appeal for lung cancer.
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain at 5,891.8m (19,330ft).
The group, which also includes 15 members of the public, have a 10-day window to ascend the mountain.
Welsh sports photographer Huw Evans, whose wife Sue is suffering from lung cancer, has organised the Captains’ Climb which will begin on Wednesday. Huw Evans said, “This day has come around very quickly since the idea was born just over a year ago. The amount of support we’ve had just shows the calibre of Welsh rugby internationals, and with their help, and that of the public, we hope we can reach our fundraising target.”
Before leaving from the Vale Resort, one of the former captains, Scott Quinnell said, “This is definitely one of the biggest challenges of my life so far. There are a lot of tired old bodies of rugby players on the trip and we are going to be pushed to the limit both physically and mentally so we’ll soon see how much training we’ve all done.”
Another captain Robert Jones added, “I can’t wait to get going now and although there are a lot of nervous captains and volunteers in the group, I know that it’s going to be a fabulous experience for everyone involved.”
By texting CLIMB to 70099, people will be charged £2 plus the cost of a text, and at least £1.72 will be donated to the cause. Alternatively, go to www.justgiving.com/brainssacaptainsclimb to donate.
THE CAPTAINS: Ieuan Evans, Rob Howley, Scott Gibbs, Colin Charvis, Jonathan Humphreys, Andy Moore, Scott Quinnell, Mark Taylor, Paul Thorburn, Eddie Butler, Mike Hall, Michael Owen, Bleddyn Bowen, Robert Jones, Robert Norster
