Barnesy's Second Blog - AXA Wealth Climb

It is the first full day in Tanzania as the group enjoys the beautiful country, before getting ready to embark on the climb.

A late evening, on Thursday, getting to know everyone of the 41 people of the AXA Wealth Climb meant a few tired people on Friday morning. Despite this, most were up early for breakfast safe in the knowledge their late night renditions of 'Sweet Caroline' and 'Sunshine Mountain' had entertained the entire hotel.

Friday was always labeled as an official rest day, in preparation for the climb, and the group split up to take advantage of what was on offer in Arusha. A few of the group have been taken by Team Kilimanjaro for a local Safari while 12 of us went to Kalolani Makumbuso primary school to help spread the game of rugby.

As soon as we entered the school we had 500 children all wanting to throw the rugby ball around. We found it surprising how many recognized the game and couldn't wait to get their hands on the ball. This is where the organizational skills of the Royal Logistic Corps came into its element and the children were separated in manageable groups to enjoy the skills.

Not many of the children could understand the strong Bristolian accent of Mark Regan, but then again nor could many of us. Despite this, the children seemed to enjoy the opportunity to run around throwing the ball and being lifted in lineouts. It goes without saying that Mark Regan has lost nothing in retirement as he missed every one of his jumpers. The teacher's were also slightly bemused when he started to hand out business cards advertising his after dinner speaking services.

There was one slightly embarrassing moment at the start when, all keen and eager, we set about the coaching. However, It was only after a couple of minutes that the poor Head Teacher had to point out that we were coaching the wrong school. We had started coaching the neighboring school, who share the same playing field, as the children we were meant to be coaching, sat patiently waiting.

Later in the afternoon the staff of Team Kilimanjaro arrived at the hotel to give the final briefing and what to expect. While we are a group of 41, we have been split down into 6 smaller groups that will rotate each day, to allow everyone to get to know each other before being separated into groups dictated by speed and ability for the final summit night. Everyone's nerves were settled as the excellent guides of Team Kilimanjaro answered any concerns.

A big dilemma that we have to resolve is which pants to wear. Herowear, who have produced a range of pants supporting one of the AXA Wealth Climb charities Help for Heroes, have kindly sent us a selection of pants. These include the camouflaged version and the plain version. The key choice is which pair to wear for the summit photos? At the moment the camouflaged option is winning but whatever the final brief is, it won't be a pretty sight.

There was a more subdued atmosphere at dinner last night as the team dinner as everyone contemplates the task ahead. Saving energy is very important over the next few days as we look to ensure we have the reserves left to reach the summit.

We did find out a few new things about our fellow climbers though. One climber had Wham! sing at his 21st birthday, another has never taken a flight before, let alone left the UK, and a third has had a top 10 single.

The AXA Wealth Climb is coming together well and everyone is looking forward to the challenge ahead on Saturday but most importantly hoping that it will help raise essential funds for some great causes.

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 to70050 to donate £1.50 +usual message rate. 100% of all donations go directly to the charities.