British adventurers rally around Sir Ranulph Fiennes after concerns raised over his care

British adventurers rally around Sir Ranulph Fiennes after concerns raised over his care Bear Grylls said he had been ‘desperately trying to connect’ with Sir Ranulph for more than a year - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in 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.” 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”. 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!” 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.” 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.” Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments