A mental health campaigner is nearing the end of his remarkable charity trek across America. Scotland superfan Craig Ferguson has raised more than £170,000 to date as he walks from California to Boston ahead of the World Cup. Craig has arrived in the country’s capital Washington DC after walking and running more than 2,800 miles, leaving just 450 remaining on the final stage of his journey to Boston, where Steve Clarke’s men take on Haiti in their first World Cup match in 28 years. He
set off from Santa Monica in February as part of his Tartan Trek challenge and has completed the equivalent of a marathon every day in a kilt. Craig, from Paisley, has already raised more than £170,000 for mental health support during his coast-to-coast journey. And, with donations and support continuing to build as Craig closes in on the finish line, he is aiming to reach £1million by the time he has completed the walk, with the proceeds going to Scottish mental health charity SAMH .
Craig has already travelled through states including California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Maryland, encountering extreme weather, punishing terrain, and physical exhaustion. He says the people he has met have carried him through the toughest moments including strangers stopping to offer water. Many have also shared stories of their Scottish ancestry . Craig said: “Arriving in Washington DC feels surreal. Mentally and physically, I’m exhausted – there are days where every single mile hurts – but knowing there’s now less than
500 miles to go gives me a huge lift. “This journey has tested me in ways I never imagined, but the kindness of people across America has honestly been overwhelming. So many people have stopped to share their own stories around mental health, and those conversations stay with you. “One moment that really hit me recently was meeting a woman with dementia whose granddaughter later told me she kept talking about ‘the Scottish boy walking across America. Hearing that genuinely meant a lot and reminded
me why this challenge matters beyond the fundraising total. “We’ve now raised over £170,000 which is incredible, but there’s still a long way to go to hit that £1million target for SAMH. Being this close to Boston is exciting and emotional in equal measure – and I’m determined to finish strong.” Hazel McIlwraith, Director of Fundraising & Major Appeals at SAMH, said: “What Craig has achieved already is nothing short of extraordinary. Walking 2,800 miles across the United States while raising awareness of mental health
and over £170,000 for SAMH is a phenomenal accomplishment. “Craig’s openness, resilience and ability to connect with people from all walks of life is helping spark important conversations around mental health both in Scotland and internationally. “With the finish line now in sight, we’d encourage anyone who has been inspired by Craig’s journey to support the Tartan Trek if they can. Every donation will help SAMH continue delivering vital mental health support and services across Scotland.” Craig is hoping to finish the Tartan Trek in
Boston in time for Scotland’s opening match at the FIFA World Cup against Haiti In 2024, he completed a 1,000-mile walk from Glasgow to Munich in the lead-up to the European Championships, raising more than £70,000 for men’s mental health. During his current trek he has walked or run consecutively for 104 days. Craig has been assisted by close friend Matthew Allan, who has been on the road in a support vehicle – providing food, water, rest and encouragement. He has also received public backing
from a list of high-profile figures, including Kenny Dalglish, Jamie Murray and Lewis Capaldi. He was even met by actor John Barrowman just a few weeks into his epic journey. To support Craig’s Tartan Trek or make a donation, visit: www.thetartantrek.co.uk
Craig Ferguson, Tartan Trek, SAMH, mental health, Scotland, World Cup 2026, Haiti, Boston, Washington DC, charity walk