A CLYDEBANK Royal Navy chef “bear crawled” up the UK’s highest mountain to raise money for charity.

Martin Stuart-Macrae, who lives in Dalmuir, spent a gruelling six hours bent over on his hands and feet trying to reach the summit of Ben Nevis last Saturday.

Martin got the idea for the challenge after Christmas as a fitting tribute to the journey facing the son of a family friend with a rare genetic disease.

Three-year-old Arlo has Wickott-Aldrich Syndrome – a rare, life-threatening genetic disorder of the immune system.

Martin, who recently turned 23, said the experience was mentally challenging after only bear crawling a mile on the Rock of Gibraltar before.

Royal Navy chef Martin seen in his non ‘bear crawl’ mode

Royal Navy chef Martin seen in his non ‘bear crawl’ mode

He told the Post: “It was certainly a stressful position to be in for that amount of time, especially when it is only used in short bursts in fitness training. However, I knew I wanted to do something extreme and outside of the box for this challenge.

Martin’s climb was broadcast live on video by Arlo’s dad – right to to the point where he reached the snowy summit.

He added: “On the day it was very mentally and physically gruelling. I ended up not being able to feel my hands for the last mile as I got frostbite.

“The last section was full of false summits, so I had to persevere, but I had the support from my family and friends to keep me going.”

The experience hasn’t put him off yet, as he is planning ‘bear crawls’ of some more of the highest, and toughest, mountains in Scotland, England and Wales, stating he wants to be doing the uncommon amongst the common people.

Martin Stuart-Macrae bear crawled up Ben Nevis

Martin Stuart-Macrae bear crawled up Ben Nevis

He added: “I have been overwhelmed by everyone who has donated and supported me. I think this is just the start of the challenges. I want to try and carry it on.

“I am grateful for the support and every bit raised will go towards helping the wee man and Arlos Army.”

Martin’s uncle, James Doyle – who featured in the Post last month when we reported how he saved a young driver from a burning car on the M80 – was part the support crew for the climb.

James said: “Bear crawls are so tough on the wrists and the feet. He didn’t skip any points and didn’t move to a step forward when he had a breather which is super disciplined.

“There is no way anyone could prepare for an event like that. Towards the end it was pure willpower as his wrists were in agony. I think he couldn’t afford to stop in case everything seized up.

Martin (centre) raised money for the Arlo’s Army charity appeal

Martin (centre) raised money for the Arlo’s Army charity appeal

“We are all so proud of him and I think it really helped that 30 people were cheering him on. It was all too surreal.”

It is currently the first recorded bear crawl up Ben Nevis and Martin is in the process of getting it verified by the Guinness Book of Records.

So far, Martin has raised over £2,000 for Arlo’s Army.

To find out more and donate, search for ‘Martin Bear Crawls Ben Nevis’ on gofundme.com.