Back to Ben Nevis, medic and walker she saved

A RAMBLER who almost died on the slopes of Ben Nevis has conquered the mountain alongside the woman who helped save his life.

Courtney Ferguson, 27, was scaling the peak with her sister Brogan in August 2020 when she saw Trevor Botwood collapse.

Mr Botwood, a bricklayer from Bramley, Hampshire, had set off to climb the mountain with his sister Irene. But he suffered a cardiac arrest on his way to the summit.

Miss Ferguson, a physiotherapist, said she saw him ‘tumble forwards, hitting his head off the rocks’.

She carried out chest compressions for 20 minutes and helped Mr Botwood, 63, regain consciousness. She added: ‘All my training just kicked in and I went into autopilot. My sister called 999.’

Mr Botwood was flown to hospital and made a full recovery. The pair kept in touch and have become good friends.

In August this year, Mr Botwood climbed Ben Nevis alongside Miss Ferguson, to help raise money for Scottish Mountain Rescue.

He said: ‘I owe my life to Courtney. Heading back up Ben Nevis with her two years after she saved my life felt really special. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be here today.’