AN INTREPID squad of 40 climbers have conquered Mount Kilimanjaro - fighting treacherous weather conditions and even altitude sickness in some cases.

The team, sponsored by you-are-the-ref.com, reached the summit on Wednesday to raise funds and awareness for the Steve Prescott Foundation (SPF).

However, the team's mission to play the world's highest game of football unfortunately had to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, with severe snow storms in the crater on Kilimanjaro.

Among the climbers were Steve's widow Linzi Prescott, SPF chairman Mike Denning, former Saints player Tommy Martyn and model Beth Cammack.

Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey and three academy competition winners, assistant referees Mehdi Najefi, Paige Kulm and Stuart McKenzie were also part of the climbing team.

Mike Denning said: “The pitch for the match was all marked out in the crater and the goal posts were erected.

"The team had their football strips on and were ready and excited to play. The weather changed dramatically and we waited to see if it improved enough so there was visibility to play but the referee made the decision to cancel the game as players safety was paramount.”

Several of the team experienced altitude sickness as all climbers pushed their bodies to the limit as their individual fitness and mental stamina at high altitude was tested.

Incredible effort by all @youaretheref @Kili4Precky explorers Thanks to our heroes for continuing great man’s legacy https://t.co/2pxakJ4Hgb pic.twitter.com/yyVGcIjGz4

— Steve Prescott MBE (@StevePrescott1) October 20, 2017

Linzi Prescott added: "I am incredibly proud of each and every one who has taken on this challenge.

I think the bouncebackability of the team was amazing.

"The fact that 40 of the team reached the summit is no mean feat. They are a fantastic team, who I'm sure have experienced some special, once in a lifetime memories.

"We are disappointed that we did not manage to play the game of football but sadly we cannot control the weather.

"For the team to conquer Kilimanjaro in the most horrendous conditions is a testament to their resolve and spirit. I cannot thank them enough for continuing Stephen's legacy. He would be so proud! Special thanks must also go to their partners/families for their support.”

Mark Halsey added: “Due to the disappointment of the match being cancelled, we have spoken to the local community and it has been agreed that the YATR officials and I will officiate a local league match on Saturday, October 21 in Tanzania.

"The SPF will donate the kits and match balls to the local football community in Moshi after the game. We have been informed that there is great excitement in the town for the match and the profile of the SPF and YATR.com will be raised in Africa continuing the legacy of both organisations”

St Helens Star:

Each climber has raised at least £5000 for the charities of the SPF, the Christie Hospital in Manchester and Try Assist (formerly the Rugby League Benevolent Fund) and to the SPF Special Causes Fund.

Donations can be made at justgiving.com/companyteams/SPFKili2017

The team will now trek back down to their base at Honey Badger Lodge in Moshi for a well earned rest. They return to Manchester on Monday, October 23.