A SALISBURY couple who will be part of a team attempting to set two Guinness World Records on Mount Everest, have set off on their journey

John Curtis and Viv Worrall are both taking part in the LMAX Exchange Everest Rugby Challenge, which will try and stage the highest-altitude game of full contact and mixed-touch rugby in history, at 6,500 metres.

The pair were due to leaved for the world's highest mountain today (Saturday, April 13).

Speaking to the Journal last month, John said, “I have taken on this adventure to challenge myself and hopefully raise a lot of money for a very good cause.”

Viv added: “I’m hoping I’m as fit as I think I am. I’m not made like a rugby player at all but I do like rugby players.

“I am incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to walk through Tibet and raise money to put smiles on children’s faces.”

The full group comprises four international rugby players - Shane Williams and Lee Mears, who have almost 140 international caps between them, Ollie Phillips and Tamara Taylor and 23 others hoping to raise £200,000 for children’s charity Wooden Spoon.

The duo will return on May 6.

The money raised will be used by Wooden Spoon to help fund charitable projects across the UK and Ireland.

The charity uses rugby to transform the lives of children and young people with disabilities, and those facing disadvantage.

To donate to the cause, go to John’s fundraising page at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JohnCURTIS15 or Viv’s at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/LMAXExchangeEverestRugbyChallengeJohnViv