Scott puts on tuxedo and dancing shoes in latest charity fundriser

Aug 19 2010 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A BLIND Larkhall man who has raised a staggering £100,000 for Guide Dogs is hoping to coin in more cash for the charity.

Scott Cunningham and his loyal companion Travis have switched their waterproofs and walking boots for tuxedo and dancing shoes for their latest fundraising venture – the Travis Trek Ball.

The ball will take place at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel on Saturday, September 25.

Money raised at the event will be split between Guide Dogs and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust.

Helping to get everyone into the party spirit will be MC Dougie Donnelly, while guests will be able to rub shoulders with sporting greats from the world of golf and football, including Rangers FC legends Terry Hurlock, Arthur Newman, Mark Hately and Gordon Durie.

Scott, a recent winner of the Institute of Fundraising’s Award for Voluntary Fundraiser of the Year, has now raised over £100,000 for Guide Dogs and is hoping to raise the bar even further with proceeds from the ball.

Over the years, Scott and Travis have trekked the West Highland Way, in both directions, as well as the ultra-challenging Pennine Way, supported by personnel from the Royal Marine Commandos.

Scott (39), of Avon Road, said: “Without the support from the Royal Marines we just couldn’t have achieved what we did on the treks and now both Travis and I want to give something back.”

To date, Scott’s fundraising efforts have gone to name and sponsor puppies that will one day go on to become fully-fledged guide dogs themselves.

Many of these names have a Royal Marine connection or are in memory of colleagues who have sadly not returned from war.

Scott added: “First and foremost, we are fundraisers for Guide Dogs, although with Travis coming up for retirement, we need to find less strenuous ways of doing it. We thought the Travis Trek Ball might be the way forward.”

If you would like to support the event call Scott on 07979 956932.

Tickets, which cost £50, are available from scott@travistrek.co.uk or by calling Scott.