SCOTT CUNNINGHAM

Travistrek Creator / Head Honcho

Larkhall, Lanarkshire

 

---

On one cold December evening in Larkhall gym 4 years ago, I had a wee conversation with my mucker, Big Hullet that would change my plans for the next 4 years. I didn’t know it then and would never have believed it either but, that little conversation has led to 3 hugely successful Travis Treks with an exciting fourth now fully in motion.

After the difficulties, strains and injuries on that first and very memorable West Highland Way challenge with Colin and Jamie, the amount raised and worldwide support meant that I knew this just had to continue!

 

All my family and friends know exactly what the Guide Dog charity means to me and how far I have come with their help, so being able to give something back by undertaking challenges that give me such a buzz is simply a pleasure!

 

Travistrek continued when we trekked from Aviemore to the North East coastal town of Buckie on The Speyside Way. This was another adventure where I was lucky enough to walk through some of Scotland’s most beautiful countryside, meet some wonderful people, have plenty of laughs and rather importantly be introduced to the Legend that is Scottish Malt Whisky! Lovely!

 

Having some great friends meet up for those final miles walking into Buckie along with the celebration that evening made this a very special trek too and told me once more that this really had to continue. So we began thinking of the next challenge that Travis could tackle!
Travistrek team members Ian and Veda conjured up Trek number three which was a 112 mile challenge across The Southern Upland Way in the Scottish Borders.

 

Each trek has had very memorable aspects but, the best thing each time is the people we meet along the way and their warm hospitality, each in their own special way. Scotland is known the world over for its hospitality and generosity but, if you have never experienced it then you will not understand, that this is what has kept me going throughout those hundreds of miles that we have covered already.

 

The sensational feeling of trekking across Scotland’s Border area steeped in historical sites and challenging countryside, travelling through so many different accents was very touching and yet again we had another tremendous final night when the troops descended on the town of Galashiels.

 

With Scotland covered, we are now looking towards the biggest challenge of all and crossing the Border down to Trav’s homeland! The mileage and terrain is something we haven’t tackled before and are yet to cover but, the training is fully underway and thanks to both Lindsay and Shona, we are treading the miles and covering those hills prior to the start date on 10th May.

 

It certainly is a challenge every team member is looking forward to tackling and we are all raring to get started - that is for sure.

 

Travis now in his 5th year is in his peak fitness and tiring him out will be a challenge in itself!
The worldwide support has already started and I simply cannot thank enough, each and every one of the supporters for their kind donations which have helped to make every Travistrek a tremendous success.

 

I’ll be hoping again to meet some more wonderful people en route across the Border, raising a few bob for that charity that holds a special place in my heart and to also show other blind people that losing your sight, definitely and most certainly, aint the end of the world! See you all at that finish line on the 25th, when I’m sure it’ll be party time!!

 

Scott