A Largs father of a teenage son with autism is taking on Ecuador’s famed Avenue of the Volcanoes to raise funds for The National Autistic Society (NAS) Scotland.

Gary Ferguson’s extreme charity trek will see him tackling high altitudes and glaciers in one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world this August.

While some people might consider conserving their energy before the big event, go-getting Gary is hosting a pre-trek fundraising party night on July 19 at Halkshill Bowling Club, Largs.

For just £5, Largs locals can dance the summer night away to a disco by Escape Promotions, and enter the raffle for fantastic prizes kindly donated by a range of local shops and businesses, and all for a fantastic cause.

Gary is covering all costs for the trip, ensuring every penny raised goes directly to NAS Scotland.

Gary said: “The party night should be a corker and a great way to raise funds for The National Autistic Society Scotland.

"I well remember my feelings when my son was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, and I am still thankful for all the invaluable advice I received to ensure he gets all the help he needs when facing the challenges of this lifelong condition.” The Avenue of the Volcanoes will be Gary’s third extreme trek for NAS Scotland. In 2010 he took on the Inca Trail at Macchu Picchu, Peru, and followed this up in 2012 with the Ultimate Challenge in Borneo, climbing Mount Kinabalu, cycling through the Crocker mountains, white water rafting on the Padas river and raising £4500.

This year Gary invited sponsors to vote for his next challenge, with Ecuador proving the overall winner.

Gary said: “After arriving in Quito, on the Equator, I’ll join a team heading for the volcano Pasochoa (4199m), then El Corazon (4,400m) the next day and Iliniza Norte (5,126m) after that. This is all in preparation for the ‘biggy’, Cotopaxi (5,897m well over 19,000ft!).

"This peak involves a midnight departure to climb steep glaciers using crampons and ice-axes. The altitude, level of ascent and early morning starts all add to the difficulty of this challenge, it is pretty extreme!” Karron Kent, fundraising officer for The National Autistic Society said: “Many people with autism experience severe, daily challenges in social situations, communication and understanding the world around them. "This can lead to loneliness and isolation. But it doesn’t have to be like this. With the right support at the right time, people with autism can fulfil their potential and access many of the opportunities most of us take for granted.

"As a charity, we couldn’t continue our vital work without fantastic fundraisers like Gary.

Karron, who also lives in Largs, continued: “Gary is making an important, positive difference to the lives of people with autism living in Scotland. We are so appreciative of his grit, his determination and his fantastic sense of adventure.” * You can sponsor Gary via his website: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/garyferguson * Follow his progress on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/tellMeWhereToGoIn2014 To book your place for the party night at Halkshill, or for more details: tel. 0796 954 0114 or 0777 286 3591