A KIND CalMac employee is setting sail on a mountainous effort in memory of his much-missed colleague who tragically died of cancer.

Gary Ferguson will raise funds for Ardgowan Hospice by travelling to Mongolia next year to climb the 'Altai Tavan Bogd' mountains of the Altai range on three gruelling ascents.

The 56-year-old, who is no stranger to adventure, wants to take on the challenge in memory of colleague Matt Ashwood, who passed away during lockdown.

The skipper, who was married to Lesley and worked for CalMac for over 30 years, was a 'huge loss' to the team and thought of very fondly by employees in the local HQ at Gourock and beyond.

Gary will scale Malchin at 13,240 feet, climb the 13,720ft Nairandal and conquer Khuiten at 14,350ft in his honour.

He told the Tele: "Matt meant so much to us and was such a great colleague.

"I wanted to do something in his honour and to help other families like his.

"I cover every cost for my fundraising trip, so every penny raised will go right to the hospice.

"I have done a few charity events before but this is one of my biggest challenges yet.

"I'm really looking forward to doing it and hope to raise as much as possible for such a good cause."

Gary's adventure will see him visit three countries at once, with Nairandal sitting on the border of Mongolia, Russia and China.

The CalMac man, who lives with partner Lizzie, told the Tele: "I've been to many different countries to do similar things and I've visited places like Ecuador and Vietnam.

"It made sense to do something that Matt would've supported.

"We lost him very suddenly, so it's a way to give back to Ardgowan who looked after him.

"The company has been very supportive too and I've set my target at £1,000, so we will see what happens."

Joanna Hunter, fundraising manager for Ardgowan Hospice, added: "We are so grateful to Gary for taking on this fundraising challenge - it is definitely not for the faint of heart!

"It is a very kind thing to do in memory of Matt, who is clearly much missed.

"Fundraising appeals like this help us continue to offer our full support to patients and their families."

To donate to Gary's fundraising appeal, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/grampsadventures

 

 

SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE: Get access to this and other articles for just £2 for two months