Travis Trek shortlisted for Institute of Fundraising National Award

Travis Trek shortlisted for Institute of Fundraising National Award

Intrepid trekkers Scott Cunningham and his guide dog Travis – from Larkhall, South Lanarkshire – have been shortlisted for an Institute of Fundraising National Award, having raised over £100,000 for charity Guide Dogs through six mammoth treks (the Travis Treks).

Sponsored by ‘Dataforce Charities’, with ‘ThirdSectorJobs.co.uk’ as the media partners, the National Awards are the only awards created by fundraisers for fundraisers.

Julie Millar from Guide Dogs’ Scottish fundraising team said:  “We are so proud and grateful to Scott and Travis for their incredible support.  If anyone deserves national recognition for dedicated charity fundraising over a number of years, it’s Scott.  We wish him all the best at the award ceremony.”

Entries were judged by leading sector experts, and the winners will be announced at a gala dinner held on Monday 05 July, the first night of the Institute's three-day National Convention.

Background to this year’s Travis Trek

The dynamic duo tackled the West Highland Way, from south to north between 28 March and 03 April. Starting at Milngavie, they trekked for seven days through the Scottish Highlands to Fort William.

Scott was accompanied by the Ibrox Legends; former Rangers stars Terry Hurlock, Arthur Numan, Mark Hateley, Alex Rae, Gordon Durie, John Brown, Stuart McCall and Davie McPherson.

Members of the Royal Marine Commandos joining Scott and Travis for the start of their ‘triumphal march’ of over 100 miles, as they prepared to cross some of the most dramatic landscape in Scotland.

Scott says: “With £85,000 raised from my previous treks, our aim this year was to break the £100,000 barrier – and we’ve done it!  When we started I never dreamed we could raise so much for Guide Dogs.  But over 500 miles later, averaging 100 miles a trek, we’ve reached this fundraising landmark, and in doing so, showed the world how remarkable the partnership is between guide dog and owner.

“My life changed in 2003 when I was partnered with guide dog Travis.  He has given me life changing freedom and independence, and in acknowledgement of his role, he was voted Scottish Guide dog of the Year 2009. I wanted to give something back to The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association who made my independence possible; fundraising through the Travis Treks has been a wonderful and rewarding way to do this.”

The Travis Trek story can been seen at www.legendstrek.co.uk where donations can be made.