Mornflake supports Crewe’s inspirational blind judo competitor

Blind paralympic hopeful Scott Bailey and his guide dog Milo received a VIP welcome to Mornflake in Crewe after melting the hearts of millions of TV viewers.

Judo competitor Scott, 37, and his devoted four-legged companion, have been the face of many Guide Dogs UK television campaigns and just lately the pair were featured in news stories about local councils banning parking on pavements.

Meanwhile the father-of-two, from Wistaston, is fundraising to compete in the Los Angeles Paralympics in 2028 and was delighted to receive a donation from Mornflake.

He said: “Huge thank you to Mornflake for their incredibly generous donation. I’m honestly so grateful for the support. It will make a real difference to my ability to progress and compete at this level.”

Scott was working on a dairy farm in Nantwich when he felt his eyesight start to go six years ago.

The damage was due to diabetic retinopathy, where high blood sugar damages the back of the eye.

Despite multiple operations at Manchester Eye Hospital, his sight could not be saved and in the months that followed he fell into a deep depression.

With support from his wife Amanda, two daughters and his ‘beautiful best friend’ Milo he rebuilt his life and discovered judo through the British Blind Sport website.

He has since competed all over the world including Germany, Poland, Croatia, France, Brazil, Egypt and Kyrgyzstan – all self-funded – on top of gaining a Masters degree in counselling and psychotherapy.

He’s now set up a GoFundMe page to cover travel, specialist coaching and competition costs as he aims to make Team GB.

He added: “The costs involved in high-performance competition are significant, and support like this genuinely helps make it possible. I wouldn’t be able to continue on this journey without the backing of organisations like Mornflake, and I can’t thank them enough for believing in me and supporting what I’m working towards.”

The breakfast company, famed for its Mighty Oats, has shown its support of inspirational Cheshire athletes many times over the years.

Nantwich wheelchair racer Andy Small, Holmes Chapel Olympic rower Emily Ford and Nantwich ‘Mr Universe’ bodybuilding champion Tim Rosiek were among those to be ‘Powered by Mighty Oats’.

Managing director James Lea said: “Scott is an inspiration to us all. His commitment, courage and determination in the face of challenge go far beyond judo and sport. We are proud to support him.”

As a major employer of more than 350 in Crewe, the business actively supports health and well-being in the community, supporting organisations that encourage healthy lifestyles and combat isolation.

Its tasty porridge, muesli and granola products are enjoyed in 60 different countries including China, Malaysia, Nigeria and the Caribbean. All proudly made in Crewe.

For more on products, heritage and recipes go to mornflake.com

To support Scott’s fundraising email scottbailey88@outlook.com