EXMOOR explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes has announced that, despite a setback last month, he will continue his attempt to become the first person to cross both polar ice caps and climb the seven highest mountains on each continent. to raise money for the terminal illness charity Marie Curie.

Sir Ranulph was forced to abandon his attempt to climb Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America in January, after suffering from severe back pain.

The 72-year old was just hours from the top of the 6,962m (22,838 feet) peak when he was airlifted off, leaving the future of his whole challenge uncertain.

Fiennes will now continue his ‘Global Reach Challenge’ for terminal illness charity Marie Curie and will tackle Mount Carstenz, the highest peak in Australasia, at the beginning of April.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes said: “I was very disappointed to abandon my Aconcagua attempt, particularly so close to the summit.

"But experience has taught me that not every challenge will be a success – it took three attempts for me to successfully climb Mount Everest for example.

“I have now had a good report from the doctor so I am going to try and do the last three mountains, starting with Carstenz in April. Unless something is seriously wrong with my health, I am determined to keep going. I am looking forward to it and I just hope that my back behaves itself."

To support Sir Ranulph’s Global Reach Challenge in aid of Marie Curie go to www.justgiving.com/Ranulph.