Letter: Worthy purpose of Antarctic 'hike'

Sir: Your science editor ('Open Letter' to HRH Princess Anne, 15 April) says my recent Antarctic expedition was a 'tedious hike' which he suggests has no scientific or other worthy purpose. He goes on rightly to praise the science work of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS).

What a shame he misinforms your readers. My last two journeys have raised pounds 3.3m for multiple sclerosis research - is this tedious? The director of BAS wrote to approve officially the relevance and usefulness of the scientific programme which our recent Antarctic crossing completed.

Yours faithfully,

RANULPH FIENNES

Exford,

Somerset

25 April