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Sir Ranulph Fiennes: How I conquered Everest, despite fear of heights
26 May 2009Sir Ranulph Fiennes spoke today of his joy at conquering Everest on his third attempt.
The veteran explorer achieved his goal of reaching the peak of the Himalayan mountain last week at the age of 65 - despite suffering from a fear of heights.
"I get vertigo, and don't like looking down," he said at a press conference in London to mark his return.
"But if you are there, you might as well look once.
"When I actually got to the top, the emotional side of getting there was, to some extent, blurred by amazement at what we could see.
"Way down below, you could see the top of all the frilly clouds, and here, there and everywhere you've got mountain tops poking through.
"To use a cliche, it's just like fairyland."
Sir Ranulph's success made him the first explorer in history to reach the world's highest peak as well as the North and South Poles.
He is also the oldest Briton and first British pensioner to climb Everest, a challenge he undertook to raise £3 million for cancer charity Marie Curie.
Sir Ranulph began his most recent assault on the mountain about four weeks ago, but kept the expedition low-key after two unsuccessful attempts in 2005 and 2008.
During his 2005 climb, Sir Ranulph had suffered a heart attack at 8,500 metres and last year was forced to turn back at 8,400 metres after suffering from exhaustion.
Following the second attempt, he said he thought a third bid would be "bad luck" but his change of mind resulted in him finally conquering the 8,850 metre peak.
He kept going up the mountain, by repeating two mantras he had prepared: "plod forever" and the rather grim "die high".
This last encouragement, he explained, was based on the idea that "if you're going to die anyway, why die low?"
He was also aided by the support of his Sherpa guide, who constantly encouraged him onwards and urged him to touch the rock to draw strength.
The altitude was one of the biggest challenges the explorer faced, as medical tests have shown his lungs operate at just 80% capacity even in normal air quality.
Sir Ranulph also witnessed reminders of the price of failure up in the mountains, with bodies littering his path.
"In England they say 'turn right at the Red Fox'; up there they say 'turn right at the green boots sticking out of the snow'."
Sir Ranulph, who has already raised millions for Marie Curie Cancer Care, lost his first wife, sister and mother to cancer within an 18-month period.
He is now less than £400,000 short of his £3m fundraising target and asked the public to help him reach that goal.
His wife Louise also spoke of her pride in his achievement, saying that the challenge had forced him to behave in a way that did not come naturally to the adventurer - "slowly, carefully, acknowledging his body and being patient".
"He's not the most patient soul in the world," Lady Fiennes said. "It's an incredibly big achievement."
To help Sir Ranulph to reach his fundraising target, donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/everestranulph.
Reader views (6)
Neil, the amazing exploits of Ranulph Fiennes are what we would expect to be rewarded with a knighthood.
Mark I agree with your sentiments. I too would love the chance to do any one of the things Ranulph has done. Not so sure I would feel the same when I am 65 though, we can but hope. I watched Ranulph on top gear being interviewed he is really amazing, unique and utterly fearless.
Most Toffs are sitting drinking Château de Chasselas, telling anecdotes of living in a paper bag in a septic tank, ohhh Ranulph has done much worse than that. From been an elite SAS officer to conquering the most extreme conditions this planet can offer, this guy has conquered the lot and very humorous and modest about these amazing exploits, A true Englishman and remarkable human
- Gary, Brentwood, 27/05/2009 08:06
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Tough old bastard!
- Freddie Jack, USA, 26/05/2009 23:47
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The title is inherited...
- Neil, London, 26/05/2009 15:36
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Ge, Cornwall.
I've got the drive and spirit but lack the cash. Getting time off work might be a problem too.
Agree with your "Sir" comment wholeheartedly.
- Mark, South-East London, 26/05/2009 14:47
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Where does he get the drive and spirit from to do these marvelous adventures. One of few people that have earned the title Sir?
- Ge, Cornwall, 26/05/2009 12:22
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How about running for election as a MP?
- Mike, London England, 26/05/2009 11:59
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