Mental health campaigner Craig Ferguson has begun a 3,000-mile charity walk across the United States, aiming to reach Boston in time for Scotland's World Cup opener against Haiti on June 14. He set off from Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles on Tuesday, wearing a kilt for the duration of the challenge.
The trek, named Craig Ferguson's Tartan Trek, will see him cross ten US states, including stops at Monument Valley and the Las Vegas Strip. Ferguson hopes to raise £1 million for Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), following his previous walk from Glasgow to Munich for the Euros in 2024.
Ferguson described the emotion of finally starting the journey, calling it his biggest challenge yet: 3,000 miles, a marathon a day for 104 consecutive days. He emphasised that mental health affects every family, including his own, and that every step will be worthwhile if it encourages people to talk, donate, and seek support.
Scottish actor Ross King was at the start line to wave him off, accompanied by the St Andrew's Society of Los Angeles Pipe Band. Ferguson will be supported throughout by his childhood friend Matt Allan, who will drive the support vehicle. Hazel McIlwraith of SAMH expressed gratitude for Ferguson's extraordinary effort, noting that the funds raised will help deliver life-changing mental health services across Scotland.
