22-year-old Scot to walk 3,000 miles across US for charity ahead of Scotland's World Cup debut

Craig Ferguson, from Paisley, is set to kick off his walk from Los Angeles to Boston in February with the aim of reaching the east coast city in time for Scotland’s debut at the World Cup on June 14.

Mr Ferguson, who was inspired to take on the challenge after experiencing his own mental health problems, is hoping to raise £1 million for the mental health charity SAMH through his efforts.

The campaigner has been training for the walk, which is equivalent to completing a full marathon every day for 104 consecutive days, by covering between 100 and 120 kilometres every week plus four gym sessions.

Mr Ferguson said: “I’d be naïve to think this is going to be a walk in the park. This challenge is three times the size of anything I’ve taken on before - physically and mentally - but that’s exactly what makes it so special.

“For me, it’s about pushing through, overcoming the challenge, and making it to the finish line in one piece.

“I chose to support SAMH because mental health causes are incredibly important to me, and I wanted to open up the conversation on a much bigger scale.

“We see the impact of mental health across Scotland and around the world, and SAMH are leading the way by breaking down barriers and making support accessible to all. I’m incredibly proud to be backing their life-changing work.”

In 2024, the 22-year-old completed a 1,000-mile walk from Glasgow to Munich ahead of the UEFA European Football Championship 2024, passing through six countries and raising more than £70,000 for the Brothers in Arms men’s mental health charity, before being greeted by fans on arrival in Germany.

He is hoping for a similar response at the finish line this year from members of the Tartan Army.

Hazel McIlwraith, director of fundraising and major appeal at SAMH, said: “Craig’s Tartan Trek is one of the most extraordinary fundraising challenges we’ve ever been part of. Walking more than 3,000 miles coast to coast across the United States - a marathon a day for over 100 days - is an incredible physical feat, but what truly matters is why he’s doing it.

“Craig is using this challenge to shine a light on mental health, to show people that it’s okay to ask for help, and to raise vital funds that will directly support our life-saving services across Scotland.

“We are immensely proud to support him on this journey and grateful for his honesty, courage and determination.”