Sir Ranulph leads way in raising money for charity

Adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes is the country's leading celebrity fund-raiser, according to a survey published yesterday.

The explorer, who once ran seven marathons in seven days, has raised more than 2.5 million for Marie Curie Cancer Care over the past two years alone.

His wife Virginia, known as Ginny, died in 2004 aged 56 after a short battle with cancer. The former soldier scaled Mount Everest in May 2009 at the third attempt, despite suffering from vertigo, to raise money for the charity. He was also the first man to reach the north and south poles by land unaided.

Sir Ranulph was appointed OBE in 1993 for "human endeavour and for charitable services". His expeditions have raised 5m altogether for good causes.

Other celebrities in the survey include Dragon's Den star Peter Jones, former rugby player Lawrence Dallaglio and singer Katherine Jenkins.

Also included are comic David Walliams and his wife, model Lara Stone, who asked wedding guests to donate to the Elton John Aids Foundation. The survey is based on an analysis of total funds raised by celebrities featured on the charity website JustGiving.com from January 2009 to December 2010.

Its managing director, Anne-Marie Huby, said: "Our fund- raising community of celebrities and members of the public alike have done some amazing, creative and even crazy things in the name of charity.

"We're delighted to support their efforts, whether it's Sir Ranulphs' awe-inspiring physical challenges or the likes of David Walliams and Lara Stone requesting charitable donations in lieu of wedding gifts."