‘Jim’s not just a running buddy ... he’s my eyes’
Pals take on huge challenge in aid of Guide Dogs
SIX months ago, Scott Cunningham didn’t own a pair of trainers.
This morning, the charity champion and his running partner, Jim Kirk, will join thousands in the London Marathon.
Neither man had ever gone running prior to last year. In fact, they were so unprepared that Jim had to remove a lace from his Doc Martens boots to tether him and Scott, who is blind, together for their first jog.
Building up the confidence to run without vision was a slow process for Scott, from Larkhall in Lanarkshire, but now he loves it.
“I was terrified on our first run around Strathclyde Park,” admitted the 46-year-old.
“I had my white stick folded up in one hand and my other arm outstretched, frightened I would hit something.
“Jim was on my left, where my guide dog Milo usually is, connected to me with a boot lace. I was apprehensive for a few months until we built up the trust. Jim is my eyes.
“We’ve progressed from a lace to an extendable dog lead to tether us and I’ve not had one collision or fall.
“To loosen that rein and just run free is the most amazing experience I’ve ever had. It makes me feel 20ft tall.”
Scott lost his sight 23 years ago due to a degenerative eye condition and credits the Guide Dogs’ charity with giving him his life back.
The tireless fundraiser has raised more than £270,000 by organising a series of charity walks and he stands to add thousands more today.
“After our West Highland Way fundraiser last summer, Milo picked up a muscle strain and I was getting cabin fever, so my pal Jim and I decided to go for a run,” Scott explained.
“We must have stopped about a dozen times on that first jog but just last week we ran 22.2 miles between Lesmahagow and Abington and didn’t stop once.
“We did a 5k in November and that was the turning point – I only bought a pair of running shoes the month before – and we’ve since done two half marathons.”
Scott has an MBE for his fundraising efforts and running past Buckingham Palace, where Princess Anne gave him his medal, will be a special moment.
“It’s something I’ll treasure forever,” he added.
“I can’t wait to hear the crowds cheering us on and having my fiancée Shelly, Jim’s wife Jill and Milo waiting for us at the finishing line.”
You can sponsor Scott at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/milosmuckers