Explorer Sir Ranuph Fiennes is taking on a series of training climbs in preparation for his bid to climb Everest later this year.

He is climbing with Mountain Guide Kenton Cool in the Swiss Alps.

“Ran’s training’s going well. He runs regularly, so his personal fitness is excellent. But he hasn’t climbed seriously since he was on the Eiger last year. So we’ll be practising use of axes and ropework for the first session,” Kenton said.

“We’ll perhaps do some ice walls or neighbouring peaks. It would be good to do the Matterhorn, but you can’t be sure with winter climbing in the Alps. So much depends on the weather.”

Kenton is optimistic about the prospects of success for the Everest expedition, which is set to take place in May this year.

“It’s going brilliantly – I’ve ordered the oxygen, we have all the permits, and we’ve got the Sherpa crew together.

“Everest can be a bit funny – there are so many variables. We get very good forecasts from the Met Office, which rules out one problem to a certain extent.

“After that the biggest challenge is the general state of health – with Delhi belly and so on. Once we get to Base Camp, all the food will be from one kitchen, so that will help.

“Over the years, I’ve guided many people on Everest, and he is one of the stronger candidates. He’s stubborn and his mental attitude is very good. As long as we get the weather conditions, I’m hoping for a reasonably smooth ascent, and looking forward to raising lots of funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.”

by Marie Curie Cancer Care