Ranulph Fiennes’ stepson appeals for funds to ‘locate and safeguard’ the explorer

Ranulph Fiennes pictured in 2015: the explorer, writer and holder of several endurance records hasn’t been seen in public for more than two years. Photograph: Eamonn McCabe/The Guardian

The stepson of Sir Ranulph Fiennes has launched a crowdfunder to pay for “specialist legal advice” in an attempt to locate the explorer, who hasn’t been seen in public for more than two years.

Alexander Millington-Cotes, 31, has set a target of £55,000 for the fundraiser, to enable him to instruct lawyers to “locate and safeguard” Fiennes.