Craig Ferguson, a mental health campaigner and Scotland superfan, broke down in tears after surpassing his goal of raising £1 million for Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH). The milestone was reached as he arrived in Boston on his epic 3,000-mile Tartan Trek across the United States.
The Journey
Ferguson began his challenge in February, departing from Santa Monica, California. He has since walked and run the equivalent of more than 120 marathons across the country in just over 100 days. The trek will officially conclude on Saturday, June 13, when he arrives at Gillette Stadium ahead of Scotland's opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Haiti.
Throughout the journey, Ferguson traversed California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York. He faced extreme weather, punishing terrain, and physical exhaustion.
The Emotional Moment
In a video shared online, Ferguson, from Paisley, is seen enjoying a glass of wine with his mother before checking his phone to see how close he was to the £1 million goal. A shocked Ferguson then puts his head in his hands and breaks down in tears as he sees his fundraising campaign has reached the magic number.
Support and Donations
First Minister John Swinney announced this week that the Scottish Government would support Ferguson's campaign with a £400,000 donation, helping him achieve his goal. Throughout the walk, Ferguson has been assisted by close friend Matthew Allan, who provided food, water, rest, and encouragement from a support vehicle.
Ferguson also received public backing from high-profile figures, including Kenny Dalglish, Jamie Murray, and Lewis Capaldi. Actor John Barrowman met him just a few weeks into the journey.
Gratitude and Tribute
An overwhelmed Ferguson thanked everyone who donated, with the fundraiser reaching £1,030,705 as of Friday, June 12. Posting on social media, he said: "All I ever wanted to do with these challenges was to make a small difference. If I ever helped even just one person, all the miles and struggle would be worth it."
He added: "Words cannot describe the gratitude I have to say not only did I make a small difference but together we have raised £1 million for SAMH. 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."
Ferguson concluded: "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. £1 million for mental health, we did it."
Previous Fundraising
In 2024, Ferguson raised £77,000 for SAMH by walking from Glasgow to Munich ahead of Scotland's opening match against Germany at Euro 2024.
