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Ranulph Fiennes becomes oldest Briton to climb Everest
21 May 2009
Sir Ranulph Fiennes reached the summit of Everest today on his third attempt at conquering the Himalayan giant.
Arriving at the summit just before 1am BST, the veteran explorer became the first man to cross the north and south poles and climb the world's highest peak.
At 65, he also becomes the oldest Briton and the first British pensioner to climb Everest.
The record-breaking adventurer, who hopes to raise £3 million for cancer charity Marie Curie, had a triple heart bypass in 2003 following a heart attack.
Sir Ranulph said: "I have summited Everest for Marie Curie Cancer Care which has long been a personal goal.
"Thanks to my sponsor Brewin Dolphin for making this possible. I urge everyone who followed my attempt last year to give generously to Marie Curie so that we can at last achieve our £3 million target to support its pioneering work in end-of-life care."
Sir Ranulph apparently began his latest assault on Everest three weeks ago, but chose to keep the expedition low-key after two unsuccessful attempts in 2005 and 2008.
A spokeswoman for Marie Curie said: "He wanted to do it quietly with no fuss. He only just failed last year - he got to within a short distance of the summit but had to turn back from exhaustion.
"So he decided he wanted to keep it very low-key without all the build-up and media attention of last year."
During his 2005 attempt on Everest, Sir Ranulph had a heart attack at 8,500 metres and last year was forced to turn back at 8,400 metres after suffering from exhaustion.
After his second attempt he said: "I won't be returning to Everest. It's a seven week trip - last time I had a heart attack, this time bad timing and weather scuppered my chances. I think any third attempt would be bad luck."
However, his change of mind meant he finally conquered the 8,850 metre peak.
Among Sir Ranulph's numerous achievements are becoming the first man to reach the north and south poles by land unaided, completing seven marathons on seven continents in seven days in 2003 and climbing the treacherous north face of the Eiger in 2007.
Sir Ranulph also joined solo yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and John Simpson, the BBC's world affairs editor, for the BBC Two series Top Dogs which saw the trio file war reports from Afghanistan, trek across the Arctic and sail around Cape Horn.
Speaking to the Press Association, Simpson said he was thrilled and extremely proud of his "close friend".
"I want to express my sheer delight and pride in his fantastic achievement," he said. "I knew he would do it on the third attempt. We have already broken out the Champagne.
"My son is named after him and this morning we will put a tiny drop in his milk so he can celebrate too."
Sir Ranulph, who has already raised millions for Marie Curie Cancer Care, lost his first wife, sister and mother to cancer within 18 months.
The charity's chief executive Thomas Hughes-Hallett said: "Everyone at Marie Curie is delighted that Sir Ranulph has conquered Everest. We know it meant so much to him - we are so grateful to Ran for all his support for the charity and for his determination to personally take the Marie Curie flag to the summit."
Reader views (7)
Dear Alan.. Ran has a hereditary knighthood, down from his grandfather and through his dad, he became a baronet... because his grandfather was created a baronet in Banbury, Oxford
He has not yet been knighted by the queen in recognition of his deeds/achievements
- Louise Fiennes, somerset, 25/05/2009 01:28
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Perhaps next time will lead an expedition that will clean up the route to the summit from all the gnash deposited by relevant litter bugs.
- William, Haywards Heath UK, 21/05/2009 22:23
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What a truly incredible man , an inspiration to all through his determination and sheer fortitude . A man that truly deserves his Knighthood unlike other titled men such as the current "Sirs" wallowing in expenses sleaze . Sir Ranulph needs to be honoured by this country through his exemplary effort.
- Alan From Gloucestershire, Cheletenham Gloucestershire, 21/05/2009 17:18
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Ranulph Fiennes provided the inspiration that took me through Cancer and treatment recently. Reading his autobiography, was a life changing experience. His determination, mental strength and commitment are a throwback to a different time. A truly great man
- Seal67, London, United Kingdom, 21/05/2009 15:41
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Sir Ranulph is a great inspiration and this is a great acheivement. Its no mean feat to climb Everest and acheive what he has done in the past with his health and family tragedies. Well done to all the good he has aceheived. A true legend - I salute you!
- Ketan, London, England, 21/05/2009 10:34
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Another old man: that doesn’t know he is actually over the hill at 65 years of age, according to the younger generation etc.
I say this only because according to Social Services all over the UK; once you are 65 years old; you are not capable of looking after, or even adopting your own kin etc; they believe you are already senile at 65 years of age etc.
Well Sir Ranulph may be able to climb Mount Everest; even walk all over the North and South poles once in a while; but look after a family member; no way, according to the Social Services Experts of Great Britain, children would tire him out to much in their opinions.
I look forward with great anticipation; to legions of British Social Workers climbing Mount Everest faster than one old man can.
Well Done Sir Ranulph; you prove the fact; that age is just another number.
- Mickyinlondon, london, 21/05/2009 08:44
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What an inspiring person. Sad, that he had to accept a stupid knighthood like all the others who sell their birthright to the establishment.
- Proud Serf, London, 21/05/2009 07:48
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