A CALMAC worker braved sub-zero temperatures and climbed dizzying peaks to raise thousands of pounds for Ardgowan Hospice in memory of his former colleague.

Gary Ferguson recently returned from a two-week trek across Mongolia, which saw him scale several mountains to pay tribute to local ferry skipper Matt Ashwood, who died of cancer during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 57-year-old told the Telegraph the gruelling challenge had been worth it to pay back the hospice for the support they had given his much-missed co-worker.

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He said: “I’m glad to have supported Ardgowan. I spoke to Matt’s widow when I got back and she was very supportive.

“She spoke very highly of the support Matt got here and the help she got after he had passed.

“She was very pleased to see the amount of money raised and was very grateful to the hospice for everything they’ve done.”

Despite facing temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees, and having to scale peaks which were more than 13,000 feet high, Gary says the experience was an enjoyable one.

“It was fantastic," he added.

"It’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit, and it lived up to every expectation.

“It was very isolated. When we got to base camp you were basically two days from the nearest village, let alone town, or any kind of help.

“It’s a beautiful place and the locals were very helpful and friendly.

“It was tough going.When we got to high camp, we did what was called an 'alpine start', so you’re waking up at two or three o’clock in the morning.

“On the first morning, when we were going to do the biggest peak, I woke up and wasn’t fit for it at all.

"By the time everyone came back I was feeling as fit as a fiddle so I was a bit gutted that I didn’t go, but I did manage the other two peaks.

“When you reach the top the view is amazing.

"The first peak I went up was a peak called Nairandal. When you’re at the top you’re standing on the border of Mongolia, Russia and China at the same time.

“All you can see for as far as you can see is mountains. It was brilliant.”

Gary admits he was emotional when he reached the top of the first peak, but said that the backing he received from his supporters helped him press on.

He said: “I was thinking about Matt and all the people who have supported me along the way.

“I’m delighted with the amount of money raised. It started off slowly, because I think everyone is feeling the pinch just now, but as the trip went on, there was more and more money coming in.

“These aren’t the highest mountains in the world, but you’re very isolated. You have to be very careful what you do, but the encouragement of knowing there are people back at home and are willing you on helps.”