Royal Marine Stars Trek for Charity

An “inspirational” journey in aid of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association has raised an impressive £3,000 with a little help for Royal Marines based at HM Naval Base Clyde.

Scott Cunningham and his guide dog, Travis, decided to trek the West Highland Way for the charity, reversing the traditional route by travelling north to south.  An ex-Royal Marine friend recommended getting Marines from Faslane’s Fleet Protection Group involved and four of the elite troops joined him on the journey.

Colour Sergeant (CSgt) Rab Murray, CSgt Billy Rodger, Warrant Officer 2 (WO2) Dusty Miller and Corporal John Maughan accompanied Scott and Travis during April this year, joined by several former Rangers players in what became known as the “Legends Trek”.

Andy Goram, Terry Hurlock, Arthur Newman and Mark Hateley were among the players who each tackled a leg of the five-day journey, as well as have-a-go hero John Smeaton.

CSgt Rab Murray said: “Scott was a real inspiration to us all during the trek.  He battled through some horrendous weather condition along the way and everyone was impressed with how he took it in his stride.  Being Royal Marines we are no strangers to the rigors of the outdoors, but Scott really made it look easy.  We were delighted he approached us to help and were only too glad to accompany him and raise some money for such a good cause.”

Scott visited HM Naval Base Clyde on Thursday, December 3, to thank the Royal Marines and bring along a four-legged friend to show them where the money they raised went to.

Trainee guide dog, “Royal”, is the latest puppy to be trained by the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and one of two sponsored by the money raised by the Legends Trek.

“It was a real honour to have a guide dog named after the Corps,” said Rab.  “Scott and his own dog, Travis, have raised over £60,000 in total through their various charity walks and are a great inspiration to other blind people, showing what can be achieved when you embrace a challenge.”