Described by the Guinness Book of World Records as ‘the world’s greatest living explorer’, Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes 3rd Baronet, more commonly known as Ranulph ‘Ran’ Fiennes celebrated his 75th birthday at the beginning of this month, being interviewed by fellow adventurer and Chief Scout Bear Grylls at London’s Royal Festival Hall, discussing the new edition of his best-selling autobiography
‘Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know’.

It featuring unparalleled stories that mark an unmatched career, including becoming the first person to visit both South and North Poles by surface means, circumnavigating the world on its polar axis using surface transport only and the first person to completely cross Antartica on foot.

In 2003, four months after a heart attack and a double by pass operation, Sir Ranulph completed seven marathons in seven days on seven continents as part of the Land Rover Challenge for the British Heart Foundation. Six years later, at the age of sixty-five he became first person to reach the summit of Mt Everest and cross both polar ice-caps. In 1993 he was recognised by the Queen with the Officer of the Order of the British Empire decoration for “human endeavour and for charitable services.” His exhibitions have raised £14 million for good causes, including the Marie Curie Cancer Care Delivering Choice Programme.

I had hoped to meet Sir Ranulph at the Royal Festival Hall event, but was unable to make it, so sent him this sketch through the mail, which he kindly signed and returned.