Ranulph Fiennes Suffers Heart Attack

Rob / 09.06.2003

Sir Ranulph Fiennes is currently in Bristol Royal Infirmary after suffering a heart attack on Saturday morning (June 7th).

The 59 year old adventurer, who completed the Southern Traverse last year with Team Land Rover, collapsed in his seat on an Easyjet plane at Bristol as he was about to depart for Edinburgh. Fortunately, he was given “very prompt attention” by airport firefighters, which is so critical to survival of heart attacks, and rushed to hospital. Staff said, “he underwent an emergency heart bypass and his condition is described as critical but stable. He is in intensive care.”

Fiennes is known around the world for his Polar treks and expeditions, and for his amazing fitness. He’s always been a keen supporter of and participant in adventure racing, and has taken part in several Eco-Challenges, ACE Races and run the KIMM and LAMM. He was delighted to finish last year’s Southern Traverse as a ranked team, after his team were unranked the year before, and has always encouraged people to have a go at new challenges and maintain their fitness.

His strength, fitness and determination will hopefully help carry him through this crisis towards a quick recovery. Our best wishes, and those of the AR community, go to Ran, and his friends and family at this difficult time.