Explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes has set off to climb Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica, to raise money for Marie Curie.

The 72 year old hopes to become the first person to have crossed both polar ice caps and climb the highest mountain on each continent, to raise money for the charity. 

The intrepid explorer, who is famed for pushing himself to the limits despite ailing health, will contend with -40C temperatures and severe winds as he tries to conquer the 16,050 feet (4892 m) peak.   

Sir Ranulph is halfway to completing his Global Reach Challenge in aid of Marie Curie, having already crossed both polar ice caps, and climbed Mount Everest in Asia, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa and Mount Elbrus in Europe.

He still needs to successfully summit Mount Vinson, Aconcagua in South America,  Mount Carstensz in Australasia and Denali, the highest peak in North America and one of the world’s most dangerous and difficult mountains to climb in order to complete the challenge.

The money raised will help Marie Curie provide care and support to people living with a terminal illness and their families in the UK.  

The expedition has been sponsored by long-time benefactor Paul Sykes and TMF Group.

Speaking about the climb Sir Ranulph said: “I’m nervous, this is going to be a difficult mountain for me. I’ve been training on Snowdonia, but you just don’t know what you might face and this mountain is very remote so it’s not so easy to get help if you find yourself in trouble. I really hope everyone will go to my JustGiving page and donate to Marie Curie.”

No stranger to physical challenges, Sir Ranulph has suffered two heart attacks and undergone a double heart bypass. 

He also suffers from vertigo and a potentially serious breathing condition when climbing called Cheyne–Stokes.

His motivation comes from a determination to raise funds for Marie Curie. Dr Jane Collins, Chief Executive of the charity said: “Sir Ranulph has an unfailing commitment to raise money for Marie Curie and he is quite literally going to the ends of the earth and back to do so. His determination and ability to push himself to his limits is truly inspiring. We hope Sir Ranulph will inspire others to take on their own personal challenge in aid of Marie Curie and help us care for more people living with a terminal illness.”

Sir Ranulph has raised £18m in total for charity and aims to raise £20m for good causes in his lifetime.