Sir Ranulph Fiennes Inspires Christ’s Hospital Students

On 15 November, Christ’s Hospital was thrilled to welcome the renowned explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE, to give a talk to senior students in the CH Theatre and inspire them with his remarkable story. The talk was organised as part of a series of events to mark the 350^th anniversary of the Royal Mathematical Society at Christ’s Hospital.

Named by the Guinness Book of Records as ‘the world’s greatest living explorer’, Sir Ranulph, now in his 79^th year, has spent his life in pursuit of extreme adventure, risking life and limb in some of the most ambitious private expeditions ever undertaken. He is the first and only person to circumnavigate both North and South Pole; the first to cross the Antarctic and Arctic Ocean; the first to circumnavigate the world along its polar axis; and the first to walk across Antarctica, unsupported; he also discovered the lost city of Iram in Oman.

In his talk to CH students, Sir Ranulph brought a very human element to his stories of superhuman feats; he spoke self-deprecatingly and with dry humour throughout, making the audience erupt with laughter at his amusing anecdotes. He talked about failing his A levels at Eton, serving in the British Army for eight years, and getting kicked out of the SAS. It was after this that he started undertaking his record-breaking expeditions, which were masterminded by his wife and childhood sweetheart, Ginny, who he clearly idolised.

At the end of the talk, students had the opportunity to ask Sir Ranulph questions, something they clearly relished.

‘Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ speech was truly inspiring, covering his incredible voyages across the globe, through the glacial waters of the Antarctic, dry plains of the deserts, and high barren mountains’ said GR (Year 13) student, Ziyad.

Kamsy, a GE/Year 11 student, said: ‘Fiennes’ talk was a rollercoaster ride of adventure stories and life lessons. He had us all hooked, from his stories about serving in Arabia, to his adventures about breaking world records and his funny jokes. All this, along with the fact that he shared his secrets to overcoming challenges, and admitted to not being particularly academically gifted, left me with a fresh perspective on embracing challenges.’

‘We are absolutely delighted that Sir Ranulph Fiennes was able to visit our school and speak to our students, to mark the 350^th anniversary of the Royal Mathematical School at Christ’s Hospital. I have no doubt his inspiring talk will be remembered by students and staff alike for years to come’ said Head Teacher of Christ’s Hospital, Simon Reid.