Take That star Gary Barlow in agony during Comic Relief climb up Mount Kilimanjaro

TAKE That star Gary Barlow broke down in agony with an injured back as he tried to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief yesterday.

The singer, 38, "collapsed in a heap" after a four-hour trek up the slopes.

His fellow celebrities had earlier helped him up the first leg of their 19,000ft climb by taking turns at carrying his rucksack.

Gary is taking part in the charity challenge alongside Girls Aloud stars Cheryl Cole and Kimberley Walsh.

TV's Fearne Cotton, 26, Ben Shephard, 34, Denise Van Outen, 34, singer Ronan Keating, 31, Strictly Come Dancing's Alesha Dixon, 30, and DJ Chris Moyles, 35, are also on the epic expedition.

A source said: "Gary was in a great deal of pain but everyone rallied around to get him through it.

"It was a hellish experience, especially with the steep incline, but Gazza refused to give up.

"It really was a baptism of fire, to say the least."

The muscles in Gary's back went into spasm during a training session last week. He was told to rest for seven days before starting the 19,330ft ascent but insisted on carrying on.

Privately, he told close pals he still wasn't "100 per cent". A Comic Relief spokesman added: "He is determined not to let his back beat him."

He finally made it to the first camp using two walking poles.

A source added: "He's hoping to get a good night's sleep and see how he feels the next day. Gary's a fighter and refuses to be beaten."

Boyzone frontman Ronan said he didn't mind roughing it, adding: "We were in forest for most of the day but it was amazing. Everybody did really well, so a great success.

"I don't mind sleeping in a tent. I go camping with the kids once or twice a year and you kind of get used to it and it's a nice atmosphere."

Yesterday, the celebrity climbers had an early start at 5am before meeting the Tanzanian porters who will accompany them up Africa's highest peak.

The first day saw them endure a steep climb through rain forest.

Despite carrying a backpack almost as big as she was, Cheryl Cole battled on through biting ants and sharp inclines.

In the evening, the group were provided with hot soup to rehydrate, pasta for carbohydrates and lots of drinks.

The celebs have already raised more than £500,000 in sponsorship. Much of the cash raised will go to Tanzania itself, where malaria kills thousands every year.

Footage of the journey will be shown on the BBC on Red Nose Day, March 13.

Fuente: Daily Record