FORMER England cricket star Ashley Giles is aiming to break boundaries as well as hit them when he climbs one of the world’s tallest mountains.
The Droitwich resident, who helped his country to Ashes success in 2005, will begin his ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro tomorrow (Saturday).
The seven-day hike will culminate in a 20/20 cricket match at 5,785 metres – just below its summit, which will go down as the highest competitive game in history.
Giles, who is currently England’s limited-overs head coach, admitted it was a ‘crazy’ idea as they look to break the previous record of 5,100 metres.
That took place at Base Camp Two of Everest.
But the 41-year-old said he was determined to complete the challenge, which will raise funds for the Professional Cricket Association’s Benevolent Fund.
“I would love to reach the top as I’ve seen pictures and it looks amazing,” he said. “I am not underestimating how hard it will be because of the affect it will have on my body and my mind.
“But there are about 40 of us going, so we should be able to pull each other through the challenge and then play a game.
“I am not sure how long we are playing for, but I believe the pitch is being sent out there as we speak, so it is exciting.”
Giles said he was delighted to receive the support of Cotswold Outdoor, which has provided him with £200 worth of kit, including boots and a torch light.
“But he said nothing could prepare him for the challenge which was facing his team in Africa.
“I have done a fair bit of walking, but Droitwich and its canals are pretty flat compared to Kilimanjaro,” he said.
“The big problem will be the altitude sickness as it does not matter how fit you are it can still hit you.
“But as we are taking seven days to get up there it should give people enough time to acclimatise.”
