A brave, amazing and - up until now - an intelligent man.

But why do this? It's not as if he has to prove himself - his life is already an inspiration to us all.

Seems silly and bit selfish.

Steve, Rugby, UK

Go for it Ran, you are an inspiration to us all.

Paul Kilby, Milton Keynes, Bucks

While Fiennes has accomplished some extraordinary things over the years, his more recent exploits look more like mere stunts than actual expeditions. He at least has the excuse, unlike most climbers out for bragging rights on Everest, that he is raising money for charity.

He has earned a (relatively, at least) quiet retirement. He has nothing more to prove. At his age, in his condition, it makes little sense to risk his own life and his family's well-being. One gets the impression that he has some kind of un-dealt-with personal issues that are driving him. I wish him luck, and hope that if he survives this he will at last realize that it is time to call it a day. There is no ignominy in recognizing one's limits and resting on one's laurels. He has earned genuine laurels in his day.

D.L. Anderson, Crossett, AR/U.S.A.

To BrummyDoug & Jane

Those who climb becuse they think its macho don't last long, because its not macho. Its something people do because they love doing it. Getting to the top is something that cannot be described in terms of emotions, you have to experience it. And the experience is all the sweeter due to the "entertainment" in getting there.

That's why people do it. And, like the man said, its not like they didn't know what he was going to get up to when they married him.

I have carried friends to helicopters or ambulances, and have very nearly come a cropper myself a few times. Dying climbing is an occupational hazard, even for the young and fit. Not going to stop me, or anyone else who loves it.

It's still a sight safer than driving at 60mph whilst yelling at the kids in the back.....

Best wishes to RF. I'd rather live his life than a life in front of the idiot box.

John, Birmingham,

Sir Ranulph is an absolute legend, and a complete hero. If you haven't read his autobiography, I strongly recommend it. Good Luck!!!

Sam, London,

who are you people who dare to criticize someone like him? what have you ever done of any note or merit?
It is people like him who made Britain "Great"
as long as he prepares properly for this it is not out of his reach..

andre, sidcup,

Typical adolescent male, selfish, egocentric and macho.
The mystery is why so many women choose them as mates.

BrummyDoug, birmingham, England

Best of luck! I look forward to your homecoming welcome! Kiss the top for me.

Ewan Gilmour, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Good luck, Ran. You've managed to beat the odds all these years and I hope you continue to do so. If you do manage to die on the mountain, at least you'll have gone out doing what you love best. I wish we all could claim that.

John Watson, Livonia, Michigan USA

There are those who steal a few extra days and die doing nothing and having achieved nothing.

There are others who don't accept human limitations and die doing what they need to do.

Best of luck, Ran.

R Bingham, Lauzun, France

Illustration of male selfishness or male self centredness. They can do anything they want and stuff the rest. Possibly a hero of Mrs Thatcher then.

JANE FLEMING, Whittlesey, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

I met the Fiennes family(including new baby) in Cannes a few years ago. I actually shared a cab with them. He is an amazing person and his goal is to raise as much money for charity as possible. Nothing it seems would stop him. Having been to Everest(not the top) I can see the attraction, but he should also think about the potential of a baby growing up without a father.

gareth, watford, uk

Go for it mate! dont listen to the missus

peter morson, leicester, leicestershire

You continue to be an inspiration to all of us with an adventurous spirit. Keep pushing the envelope, and keep being mad, bad and dangerous to know.

shaun bell, westcliff,

As much as i admire the great man, i believe there is a time to acknowledge you are past your prime and are simply putting yourself in danger. His last attempt on Everest was very nearly the end for him. Of course its very hard to come to terms with moving on in life from your greatest passion. Witness the very public breakdown of another great Britain Paul Gascoigne. I would be very sad if Sir Ranalph never returned from Nepal but no one in the world can persuade him from going. Perhaps he feels his spiritual burial ground is at the top of world as apposed to the English countryside.

Phil Anvil , Brighton, UK

Not much left to explore on Everest for an explorer.

Ton Biesemaat, The Hague, The Netherlands

Just go for it Ran. We'll know your doing what you love - and I'm jelous of you for it.

Good luck.

James, Glasgow,

There's no fool like an old fool. Still it's better than watching TV. Good luck to you Fiennes.

Frederick, London, UK

Understandable even though I sympathise greatly with Mrs Fiennes. I have the autographs of 5 of the original Everest 1952 climbers, inc Sir John Hunt the organiser. Sir Ralph and everybody who has climbed this mountain are true heroes !!!!

Ian Payne, WALSALL,