Sir Ranulph Fiennes is set to scale four mountains in ten months in a bid to raise money for the terminally ill.

So far Sir Ranulph has raised £18million for charity and has led over 30 expeditions since he set out on his first adventure climbing the Jostedalsbreen Glacier in Norway, in 1967.

The 72 year old will attempt a new record-breaking ‘Global Reach’ challenge in aid of Marie Curie starting in August this year, despite ailing health.

The adventurer, who lost the majority of his fingers on his left hand fromsevere frostbite in 2000, plans to reach the summit of Mount Carstensz in New Guinea, Mount Vinson in Antarctica, Aconcagua in Argentina and Denali, the highest peak in North America during his epic challenge.

Talking about his reasons for taking up the challenge, Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE said: “I feel compelled to keep setting myself these challenges to raise money for Marie Curie. Since the death of my first wife Ginny who died surrounded by her family, I’ve wanted to raise money to help Marie Curie Nurses care for people living with any terminal illness, and their families.

“After finally summiting Everest after three attempts I said I would leave any other mountains to the proper climbers…but various events changed my mind.  Climbing four further mountains in a short space of time is going to be a definite challenge, especially climbing Denali in Alaska which only had an 18% success rate during this year’s season. But, if it raises money for Marie Curie then I would really like to have a go.”

In May this year Sir Ranulph was forced to turn back from climbing Mount Denali after suffering from chronic back pain.

The renowned explorer also suffers from vertigo and Cheyne–Stokes, a condition which debilitates his breathing above 16,000 feet, which could be affect his journey with his highest climb reaching over 22,000 feet.

He will also have to contend with extreme temperatures, unpredictable weather, crippling altitude sickness, the risk of falls, avalanches and crevasses.

Sir Ranulph will be dedicating each mountain climb to a Marie Curie patient, volunteer or supporter.

Dr Jane Collins, Chief Executive of Marie Curie added: “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 will be accompanied by long-term expedition partner, Dr Mike Stroud on his upcoming mountain climbs.

To support Sir Ranulph’s Global Reach Challenge in aid of Marie Curie go to www.justgiving.com/Ranulph