Team climbs to a rugby record

ALMOST there . . the team, which included Barrie McDermott (right) ascend Kilimanjaro

FORMER star Oldham rugby player Barrie McDermott was part of a 38-strong climbing team that conquered Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of the Steve Prescott Foundation.

The foundation was started when Steve, who played for St Helens, Hull and Wakefield, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2006. The group raises money for the Christie and Rugby League Benevolent Fund, Try Assist.

Between diagnosis and his death in November 2013, Steve, who was awarded the MBE in 2009, raised more than half a million pounds for the foundation by staging extreme challenges.

To break the Guinness World Record for the highest altitude rugby match, the climbing group - which included Oldham Super League referee Robert Hicks to officiate - had to play an 80-minute game at Kilimanjaro’s summit.

Three members of the team had to pull out during the 19,341ft climb, but the game went ahead and the record was achieved on Sunday. The team has raised almost £18,000 so far.

Visit www.justgiving.com/SpectrumKilimanjaro to donate.