- About Travistrek Part 1
- About Travistrek Part 2
Travistrek.co.uk was initiated in 2003 by Scott Cunningham when his super-fit Guide Dog Travis became the 1st Guide Dog to trek the West Highland Way. Amazingly they then trekked the 3 main long distance walks in Scotland and with these under their belt, the dynamic duo then looked further afield, and tackled all 268 miles of The Pennine Way in 2007. They crossed the border from England back home to Scotland in 16 continuous walking days. This national trail is considered to be one of Britain's most challenging long distance walks.
The following year Legends Trek evolved and was yet another Guide Dog 1st as Scott and Travis were the first Guide Dog and owner duo to trek the West Highland Way North to South.
TravisTrek 5 was a trek with a difference as the dynamic duo were joined en route by some Rangers Greats such as Terry Hurlock, Arthur Numan, Mark Hately, Andy Goram and other former Gers stars! In addition to this, die hard Rangers fan Scott did not stop at the traditional end of the ‘Way but continue to the slopes of the home of Rangers F.C at the famous Ibrox Park on the South side of Glasgow.
This was the first time Scott offered TravisTrek supporters the chance to walk, talk and enjoy some amazing scenery with footballing greats and help out Guide Dogs in the process!
The Trek was filmed every step of the way and aired worldwide by Rangers TV. (Copies still available for a £5 donation orders to scott@travistrek.co.uk) It proved to be so popular that Scott's original target of £10,000 for 2009 was smashed and the eventual total was over £25,000.
Scott had intended that TravisTrek 5 “Walking with Legends” would be the last major project he would undertake, however due to its success, popularity and endless enquiries from loyal supporters as to his plans for 2010 he had decided to embark on one last journey to see if he and Travis can once again achieve the impossible and top the previous year’s epic adventure and have some great fun and laughs along the way.
TravisTrek 6 “The Legends Return 2010” revisited the foundation of the TravisTrek project and seen Scott and Travis trek back up the West Highland Way as they did 7 years ago. Once again Scott has been blown away by the support that has been shown from all over the world and this year the gang were again delighted to be joined with a number of Rangers Legends although at the moment.
Scott had set a challenge to attempt to exceed the magical £100,000 mark.
The generosity of supporters worldwide again humbled Scott as over £25k was raised! The Travis Trek machine took a change in direction last September when the inaugural Gala Ball was held in the Glasgow Hilton Hotel. Due to the tremendous support given by The Royal Marines over the period Scott decided, as a token of his appreciation, that the proceeds from the Gala Ball and all future Travis Trek events should be equally split between Guide Dogs and The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund. The night, hosted by TV celebrity Dougie Donnelly was a tremendous success and plans are well underway for this year’s Gala Ball in September.
With over £18k raised on the evening it was a tremendous amount to add to the already incredible Travis Trek total.
Scott’s fundraising endeavours have not gone unnoticed as in July last year he was delighted but humbled to be awarded the UK national volunteer fundraiser of the year award by the Institute of Fundraising at a glitzy ceremony in London.
With Travis now in his 9th year and undertaking his final year in guiding the pair have decided to tackle 1 final outdoor event.
Travis Trek 2011, Up The Ben will take place on Saturday 25th June when the duo and the gang will be joined again with some Rangers heroes hiking up Great Britain’s highest summit, Ben Nevis in Fort William.
Scott's objective through TravisTrek is as always twofold: he aims to raise much needed funds for the 2 chosen charities, and also hopefully inspire other blind people to embrace challenges, big or small and experience the same sense of motivation and rewards that he has gained from his expeditions. Scott and Travis have raised over £125000 for charity to date and in this year’s trek they aim to raise more money and inspire more people than ever before. The money raised so far has been used to fully train and care for 18 Guide Dog puppies that will eventually be placed with new owners. With your continued support this year, we hope to raise even more and highlight how visually-impaired people can lead full and active lives. You CAN make a difference!