About the Author

Sir Ranulph Fiennes was the first man to reach both poles by surface travel and the first to cross the Antarctic Continent unsupported. Fiennes has led over 30 expeditions including the first polar circumnavigation of the Earth, and in 2003 he ran seven marathons in seven days on seven continents in aid of the British Heart Foundation. In 1993 he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for 'human endeavour and charitable services' because, on the way to breaking records, he has raised over 14 million pounds for charity. He was named Best Sportsman in the 2007 ITV Great Briton Awards. In 2008 he became the oldest Briton to reach the summit of Everest.