Ranulph Fiennes on top of the world
Ranulph Fiennes (courtesy of Marie Curie Cancer Care)
It's third time lucky for Ranulph Fiennes, and seventh time on Everest for his Guide - BMG member Kenton Cool
Sir Ranulph Fiennes made it to the summit of Mount Everest shortly before 1 am on 21 May 2009, despite having declared "no more mountains" after his second Everest attempt last year. At 65, Sir Ranulph is the oldest Briton to summit Everest, and the first explorer in history to reach the world's highest peak and the most Northerly and Southerly points on the planet. He is reported to have said "It's amazing where you can get with a bus pass these days."
The team was guided by Everest veteran and BMG member Kenton Cool. Kenton had recently guided Sir Ranulph (or 'Ran' as he refers to him) up the classic 1938 route on the North Face of the Eiger. Whilst this may be the first time to the roof of the world for Ran, it's the seventh attempt on this elusive summit for Kenton, who has an extraordinary track record for high altitude guiding.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes climbed Everest in support of Marie Curie Cancer Care. He was moved to support the charity after he lost his mother, two of his three sisters and his first wife, Ginny, to cancer, over an 18-month period.
Visit the Marie Curie Cancer Care website for a full report and an opportunity to donate
