Sir Ranulph Fiennes turns back due to exhaustion
May 24th, 2008 at 5:49 am |
Exhaustion has forced Sir Ranulph Fiennes, OBE, to abandon his attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
At 12.45am (Nepalese time) the Base Camp radio cracked into life with the news that Sir Ranulph was back at the South Col, having turned back due to exhaustion.
Sir Ranulph’s summit bid began at 7am Friday morning when the team left Camp 3 for Camp 4. The day began with a laborious, steep, trudge up a fixed line to the Yellow Band – where climbers then traverse over the Geneva Spur.
On reaching Camp 4, just after lunch, they rested for just a few hours before pushing on for the summit at 8.30pm last night.
Sir Ranulph has rested at Camp 4 and has now begun his descent back to Base Camp.
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May 24th, 2008 at 6:13 am
An amazing feat Sir Ranulph and team! Safe journey down.
May 24th, 2008 at 6:30 am
You have overcome increadible challenges in your life Ran – be proud of what you have achieved it is amazing. Have a safe journey down and enjoy a hot bath!
May 24th, 2008 at 6:35 am
You should be so proud of what you have achieved, summit or no summit. Please do get home safe.
May 24th, 2008 at 6:53 am
Well done Ran we are very proud of you, get back safely and enjoy a hot bath and a cuppa!
Dave Waldron
Explorer scout leader
Fiennes Unit
Sandwell
May 24th, 2008 at 7:06 am
What you have achieved over the past weeks is amazing and knowing when to turn back is the greatest feat of all. Wishing you a safe return. Patricia
May 24th, 2008 at 7:06 am
You have overcome many incredible challenges in your life – be proud of what you have achieved you are an amazing man and such an inspiration to many many people. Have a safe journey down and enjoy a hot bath!
May 24th, 2008 at 7:07 am
It takes a bigger man to turn around than one that presses on and risks too much. You are an inspiration to us all.
May 24th, 2008 at 7:11 am
many people will benefit from your attempt through the funds raised. will you have another go or is that it for big mountains – if so what next Ran?
May 24th, 2008 at 7:16 am
Have a safe descent back down to Base Camp.
May 24th, 2008 at 7:17 am
Thanks for letting us all follow your adventure. I don’t know which is more courageous; making it to the top, or having the balls and sense to turn around when it’s obviously the right thing to do. You have my utmost admiration. Come home safely.
May 24th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Stand tall Ranulph you have acheived an amazing feat and everyone especially the charity will be so proud of you. Take care on your descent and get home safely.
May 24th, 2008 at 7:36 am
You are just amazing Ran and brave enough to turn back! take care on the descent and look forward to the ‘air that you breathe’ at Base Camp. Well done to all the team
May 24th, 2008 at 7:38 am
Ran you are the summit. Come home safely, and be the legend you are. WELL DONE.
David and Lys Jackson.
May 24th, 2008 at 7:50 am
well done for going so far -what a strong decision to make you also have my great admiration -all come down safely
May 24th, 2008 at 7:50 am
You are still ‘Second to None’ an amazing effort, take it steady and come home safely
May 24th, 2008 at 8:00 am
We are trying to imagine your feelings, which is impossible for us of course. We know that you will always look for the positives. You are a tremendously courageous person. What you and the Marie Curie team have achieved from the outset of the Everest challenge has been an inspiration to the world. We look forward to the safe return of all of you.
May 24th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Ran you have forced your heart and nerve and sinew to serve their turn … I am proud to have met you in the Solu Kumbu and been on this planet at the same time as you … a legend indeed and an inspiratuion to the not-still-young ones.
May 24th, 2008 at 8:22 am
We’d all rather hear of your safe return than not one at all. Well done for getting as far as you did. It can’t have been easy to make that decision up there but thank goodness you did. We were all holding our breath last night. Get back down safe and enjoy your achievements. You are a legend!
May 24th, 2008 at 8:22 am
A huge achievement, come home safe, enjoy a well deserved bath and beer. You showed an enormous amount of courage deciding to turn round at your own summit, you have all our admiration for your bravery. Well done to all the team a great success for a wonderful charity.
Regards
Rosie Nicholls
May 24th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Thinking of you all. Get down safely. Thanks for all your hard work, courage, determination and humour.
May 24th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Great effort again Ran – you’ll get it next time. I’m sure everyone will honour their pledges for Marie Curie to recognise your, and the Team’s, enormous efforts and courage. Well done!
May 24th, 2008 at 8:46 am
You have given us such a vivid and candid account of your ascent that we have felt part of the team! Thank you all for the priviledge. Love and best wishes for a safe descent. M&D XX
May 24th, 2008 at 8:50 am
Well done Ran! You have proved you have nothing to prove. A brave and generous spirit that is daunted by nothing. We are all proud of you and your team. God speed home safe and stag off.
Tankie
May 24th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Hi Ran
Welcome back! We’re all so proud of you. Take some time out now to really think about what you’ve just achieved. You’ll feel really proud about what you’ve done and the amazing sights you’ve seen. Keep inspiring us all to climb the mountains of life rather than remain in valleys!
May 24th, 2008 at 9:01 am
‘Because it’s there’ – George Leigh Mallory,on being asked why he wanted to climb Mt. Everest, in “New York Times”, Mar. 18, 1923
Ran, it will still be there for your next attempt. Congratulations on a magnificent effort. We all wish you a safe return and look forward to hearing about your next challenge!
May 24th, 2008 at 9:05 am
As a 60 year old who had to turn back just before the summit of Kilimanjaro last year I can appreciate just a little of what you must be feeling, but what you have achieved is truly amazing. You are such an inspiration to us all. Come back safely to your family.
May 24th, 2008 at 9:12 am
I know none of these messages are any consolation to you, but you ARE an amazing man, and an inspiration to mankind
May 24th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Many congratulations—still an awesome achievement!!Remember discretion is the better part of valour.Glad your are not a dead hero.
Derek
May 24th, 2008 at 9:14 am
You are an inspiration. Your bravery, courage and fighting spirit is something for us all to aspire to.
May 24th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Well done team! Getting to where you did is a trememdous challenge for any human, especially after your initial struggles. It has been a pleasure to follow your preparation and attempt (through this great site) and I hope you make it safely to the comfort of basecamp. Best wishes!
May 24th, 2008 at 9:20 am
You are an inspiration to all. Following your progress has been the highlight of my day. Get back safely and be very proud,as we all are.
May 24th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Well done to the whole team. Sir Ran is an inspriration as are he teammates, Kenton’s done a great safe job. Congrats on the achievement.
May 24th, 2008 at 9:27 am
A Fantastic achievement to have done so much.I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ll be looking to do next even if it is taking a thoroughly deserved retirement.
You are a credit and inspiration to all.
Good Luck to all your team.
May 24th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Ran
Your daughter is worth a million summits. You made the right decision. I made the same call on Everest in 2005. I know how you feel.
May 24th, 2008 at 9:36 am
You have the courage and determination to achieve great feats, look at all the money you`ve raised and all that you have done.You are by far one of the bravest most inspirational people of this world. Please all get down safely.Ran, you are my hero.
May 24th, 2008 at 9:36 am
You are a brave and courageous man. Be proud of your achievement. Safe return for you and the team. Jx
May 24th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Unbelievable achievement,well done on even considering this challenge,you and the whole team are special people and this world needs people like you,i am so proud of what you have all achieved and being able to follow your progress on this superb website has been amazing,you should be very proud of yourself,have a safe trip down for you and the team!
May 24th, 2008 at 10:06 am
“Better a live donkey than a dead lion”. You are a tremendous inspiration to me and countless others who seek to achieve but a tiny fraction of what you have – but in their own way push back their own boundaries. This is what is important – thank you.
May 24th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Its a very very BRAVE man who discovers his limits on any given day and accepts them!! Life is worth so much more than momentary elation. A huge achievement none the less. So proud of you here in Cardiff!!
May 24th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Great achievement even without the Top out. an inspriration to us all.you chaps have done everyone proud back home..All the Best for the trip back.
May 24th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Congratulations to a great team on their achievement.
Sir Ran is an inspiration.
The coverage has been superb and we have enjoyed following this marvellous adventure.
Please have a safe journey down.
All our love to Rob.
May 24th, 2008 at 10:55 am
All your life Ran you have lit the the light!You are truly a MAN.I have to take my hat off to you. And have a nice cup of tea and chat with wife and daughter when you get back.Enjoy!
May 24th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Hi Ran,
What a fantastic man you are and what an effort you put in. It was an absolute pleasure and an honour to climb with you and to have spent time with a true hero and a brilliant human being.
You do however need to improve your UNO skills so I look forward to a game when you get back I haven’t forgotten the Man U/Barcelona result so drinks on me!
Uncle John
May 24th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Ran, you are an inspiration to us all. A fantastic achievement to get so close to the summit. Your safety is far more important than anything else! Looking forward to seeing you at the RGS soon. Well done!!
May 24th, 2008 at 11:48 am
I have tears in my eyes—out of respect. Sorry again i missed you at base camp -I made £5000.00 for the Norfolk Hospice. Enjoy the colour of the water in the shower when you get down!
May 24th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Ran, you’ve got to rest and give it another go. it’s there inside you, find it, and your dream will be realised!
Clive
May 24th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Congratulations on getting as high as you did. An amazing feat that has surely broken records – but of course that is nothing new for you. I think you should stick to horizontal travel henceforth.
May 24th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
You are a very brave man and we are all very proud of you – have a safe journey back down
Jenny
May 24th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Ran, you are an inspiration to everyone and the greatest living Englishman by far- well done.
Will
May 24th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Congratulations to Sir Ran, Kenton and the whole team for a brave attempt. Most important, I know many people will benefit from all the funds you have raised. Wishing a safe journey down. Chris
May 24th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Great effort, you’ve acheived more than most people can dream of achieving. Well done, have a safe journey back. You’re all an amazing group of people.
I went to Base camp afew years ago and that was hard effort.
Again well done to Sir Ran, Kenton and all.
May 24th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
I hope the journey brought you happiness and not the destination. Be safe coming down. Back to the farm for a cup of tea and onto the next challenge.
best regards
May 24th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
truly amazing, went to see you in stafford’s ‘gatehouse theatre’ a few years ago and that was also amazing, i was going to say ‘break a leg’ but on this occasion i’ll just say have a safe journey home.
May 24th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Massive respect to you sir! What an inspiration to us all you are. My father and I are attempting the Eiger once again in August, hopefuly we can follow in your footsteps! Great attempt on Everest Ran, good on you mate.
May 24th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Dear Ran, You are very brave to have gone as far as you have.
May 24th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Ran,
Others have said it all you are truly inspirational.
Well done on your latset challenge for you to stop it must have been impossible.
May 24th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Make sure you get back safely!! Respect to you Ran, you’ve achieved more than most men in this world and you’ve raised so much for such a worthwhile cause. See you soon KC!!
Laura xx
May 24th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
YOU ARE AMAZING!!!! well done, I have followed every step you take and you have been such an inspiration to everyone. Can I just say, that when the going gets tough, I think of you !!
Mountains are hard and scary places, so I totally admire you.
best wihes to you and your family, your daughter will be so proud of her Daddy.
love Henriette
May 24th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
What you have achieved in your time takes you beyond the summit of everest by so much. Your an inspiration to everyone. You are the definition of the phrase “living legend”. All the climbers at the unversity of cumbria , (ambleside) are full of the up most respect. you are undoubtedley the greatest man on this planet. we have all been watching you with amazement. the whole world is so proud of what you have achieved. thank you Sir Ranulph. Safe descent. Enjoy a hot cup of tea.
May 24th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Hi Rob, enjoyed following the expedition. Well done. Hope you have a safe journey down. Mum and Dad must be very proud of you hope to see you at the family reunion when ever. Love Rob Barbara Margaret and families x
May 25th, 2008 at 12:23 am
Sir Ranulph,
Your progress on this expedition has been no less inspirational than any of your other amazing achievements. I hope that your disappointment will be tempered by the knowledge that many a lesser person would not even have made it as far as you did. You can also take heart in the enormous contribution you have made to Marie Curie through this expedition. Your life has inspired many people you may never even meet; your memoirs are currently helping a friend of mine recover from her own medical difficulties after suffering a stroke.
Safe journey home and well done.
Phil H
May 25th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
There’s no telling how many people in the world you have inspired by this one single attempt.
Bravo!
May 25th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or how the doer of deeds might have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, if he wins, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.” Fantatic effort – well done to the whole team.
May 25th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Incredible man incredible courage well done
May 25th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Like so very many I have read of you … spoken with admiration of your achivements many times with others …particularly whilst having a “braai” (barbeque)under the South African stars.
And now I write from London with greater admiration… it is often more difficult to retire when exhausted than to carry on… the correct call was made … well done to you and your team … what a great effort … and thank you for putting your life on the line for such a great cause.
All the best
Frank
May 26th, 2008 at 10:29 am
absolutely awsome achievement well done what more can you say,safe journey home
May 26th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
A tremendous challenge
An unbelievable feat
A man with such courage
To admit when he’s beat.
Safe journey home Ranolf and God bless you. x
May 27th, 2008 at 12:29 am
thanks for taking me on such a fantistic journery,i watched you and your team progress daily, you have achieved great things. wishing you a safe journey home.
May 27th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
SORRY TO HEAR THAT YOU HAD TO ABANDON..GLAD, HOWEVER, THAT YOU ARE WELL AND LOOKING FORWARD TO SEE YOU BACK TO THE UK SAFELY…
May 27th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Well done Ran, you’re an inspiration to us all, if i can be half as fit as you are when i
May 27th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Well done Ran, you’re an inspiration to us all. If i can be half as fit as you are when i reach my sixties i’ll be a happy man. Keep on with the expedition’s and we’ll all look forward to your next book!