Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.
Already a member?
Log in
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
Several British adventurers, including Ben Fogle and Bear Grylls, have rallied around Sir Ranulph Fiennes amid concerns over his care.
A care home owner in Wales, where the 82-year-old explorer had been placed for seven weeks this year, told The Telegraph they had reported several concerns about Sir Ranulph’s wellbeing to the authorities, including the police.
The same newspaper claimed to have seen an email sent by a care watchdog that reportedly said Sir Ranulph was being unlawfully kept in care homes and unable to consent to his care or treatment.
TV presenter and adventurer Mr Fogle said he was “deeply disturbed” by the reports about Sir Ranulph’s care and urged an investigation.
He wrote on social media: “That such a great man, hero of mine and a national treasure, should be treated in this way, isolated and kept away from family and friends, is very troubling. It is time for the Office for the Public Guardian and the police to investigate this case.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to find the explorer by his stepson, Alexander Millington-Cotes, and has so far raised more than £6,600. He told The Telegraph: “I just want to be able to see him…. this just seems like a really bad dream.”
Mr Grylls also joined calls for police and the OPG to investigate, saying he and others had been “desperately trying to connect with Ran for a year now to no avail”.
Bear Grylls said he had failed to get in contact with Sir Ranulph for over a year (@BearGrylls/X)
He said: “Ran is a true British icon for so many around the world – a pioneer, a humble warrior and a good friend to so many of us. He never failed to support me when I needed help. Now is our time.
“These reports of his isolation from his loved ones and treatment in care homes are so deeply disturbing. That a hero like Ran should have to face this is very hard to read. It’s past time for the Office for the Public Guardian and the police to investigate urgently. We owe it to him. Ran we are coming!”
Monty Don said an investigation into Sir Ranulph’s care was ‘vital’ (PA)
BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don said: “My family and I have known Ran for over 40 years and he is one of the most inspirational, remarkable – and kindest – of men I have known. And of course, other than personal affection, he should be enjoying the admiration and respect of the whole country after such a remarkable life and not kept hidden away from family and friends.
“If anyone can be called a national treasure it is Ran and I do feel that it is vital that the OPG urgently investigates his case and all the facts can be brought to light.”
Gini Bowring, whose father Anton Bowring is Sir Ranulph’s business partner and long-standing friend, said: “Through all your expeditions and adventures, even in the most inhospitable places on Earth, we knew where you were,” according to The Telegraph.
“We knew how you were. If you needed help, we knew how to reach you. For two years, there has been silence. One minute you were there, the next…gone, unreachable!
“We don’t know where you are or how you are. We have tried to find you, and are still trying. We’re all hoping that the place where you should be safest has not become the hardest place you have ever had to face.”
The Care Inspectorate of Wales reportedly said Sir Ranulph was being ‘unlawfully deprived of his liberty’ (Getty)
A spokesperson for the Care Inspectorate of Wales, which The Telegraph reported declared in an email to the Welsh care home owner that Sir Ranulph was being “unlawfully deprived of his liberty”, said: “Care Inspectorate Wales is committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and rights of people who receive social care services across Wales.
“As part of this role, CIW monitors Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) to help ensure people living in care homes are protected and any restrictions placed on their freedom are lawful, necessary and in their best interests.
“Where a person is under continuous supervision and control, is not free to leave, and lacks the capacity to consent to their care arrangements, providers must apply to the local authority for a DoLS authorisation and notify CIW when an application has been made.
“It would not be appropriate for us to comment on an individual’s personal circumstances or care arrangements.”