World's greatest living explorer takes on the world's most grueling challenge for cancer charity

One of the world’s greatest – and oldest – explorers is to undertake the toughest footrace on earth to raise funds for Marie Curie.

Long-term supporter Sir Ranulph Fiennes will take on gruelling Marathon des Sables in a bid to become the oldest Briton to ever complete the race.

A six day ‘ultra-marathon’ which covers 250 km in over 50c heat, the Marathon des Sables requires competitors to run a marathon across the Sahara desert each day for five days - with a double marathon on one - while runners have to carry everything they need including their food and water on their backs.

The legendary explorer and former SAS captain aims to raise £2.5 million for the charity - despite suffering two heart attacks, undergoing a double heart bypass, a cancer operation and an on-going fight with diabetes.

Fiennes said: “It’s going to be a challenge, but I’ve been assured my heart is mechanically up to it. The next three months are going to be full on with intense training.

“I can’t wait to get out there, and raise lots of money for Marie Curie in the process.”

His previous fundraising exploits have already raised £6.3m for Marie Curie.

In 2007 despite suffering from vertigo, Fiennes climbed the north face of the Eiger for the charity. In May 2009, at the age of 65, he climbed to the summit of Mount Everest, again for Marie Curie, making him the oldest British person to achieve this.

Chief executive of Marie Curie, Dr Jane Collins, said: “He has quite literally gone to the end of the earth and back to raise money for Marie Curie. 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.”