After walking 500 miles and 500 more from Glasgow to Germany for the Euros in 2024, as well as walking the length of Scotland in 2025, Scotland superfan Craig Ferguson has been training for this moment. Now, Craig has crossed the length of the United States from Los Angeles to Boston on foot, just in time for the Scotland opening game with Haiti on June 14, raising money for men’s mental health.
The 3,000-mile journey has received international recognition, helping raise £1 million for the Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) charity. Receiving shoutouts online from prominent figures like The Proclaimers (I mean, that one was a MUST), Lewis Capaldi, and the other Craig Ferguson, the walk also helped secure £400,000 from the Scottish Government, donating to the charity, with First Minister John Swinney phoning Craig personally to deliver the news.
And now, as the first Scotland game at the World Cup in Boston is about to begin and the walk is nearing its end, Craig has officially raised £1 million, announcing the news on social media.
Craig posted on Instagram, saying: “£1 MILLION RAISED FOR MENTAL HEALTH ❤️
All I ever wanted to do with these challenges was to make a small difference. If I ever even helped just 1 person all the miles and struggle would be worth it. Well words cannot describe the gratitude I have to say not only did I make a small difference but together we have raised £1M for @samhscotland 😭
I want to take this time to write a little message to the man that started this all Russell Campbell. While he’s sadly no longer with us to see the impact he has had every single step, every single mile walked was in your name.
And from the bottom of my heart to each and every one of you who has been here liking sharing and spreading the word this change has been made because of You !
I’ll See you all tomorrow for the final celebration £1M for mental health we did it ❤️”
Craig Ferguson is expected to reach Boston today (June 12), completing his 3,000 trek across the United States that started on February 25.
Speaking ahead of leaving for the US on Thursday, the First Minister said: “I met Craig before he headed out to Los Angeles to begin his mammoth trek across the United States and I was struck by his tenacity, ingenuity and genuine passion – both as a Scotland fan and a campaigner for mental health.
“I have been hugely impressed by Craig’s inspirational campaign to raise funds for SAMH, one of Scotland’s leading mental health charities.
“The work such charities do across the country is both life-changing and live-saving, and this funding will help SAMH to continue that important work – including to deliver their new drop-in mental health centres, which my government is keen to support.
“The Tartan Army are such a wonderful advert for Scotland, and I am proud that we have people like Craig representing our country in America as our men’s national team take to the stage for their first World Cup finals in almost 30 years.”
Billy Watson, the chief executive of SAMH, said: “Craig’s efforts to raise awareness of mental health problems and money for SAMH have been absolutely extraordinary.
“He is a football fan, a member of the Tartan Army, who decided he could help and has quite literally come down the road in the most spectacular fashion.
“We’re hugely grateful to Craig, and to the First Minister and the Scottish Government for their support for Craig and SAMH, and we look forward to working with them to roll out The Nook across Scotland.”
What is more, you can still donate to SAMH here.
