A mental health campaigner from Paisley has broken down in tears after raising over £1 million for Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) during a 3,000-mile trek across the United States. Craig Ferguson, a Scotland football superfan, reached the milestone as he arrived in Boston, Massachusetts, on Friday, June 12.
Ferguson set off from Santa Monica, California, in February, walking and running the equivalent of more than 120 marathons across the country in just over 100 days. He will officially complete the challenge on Saturday, June 13, when he arrives at Gillette Stadium ahead of Scotland's opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Haiti.
In a video shared online, Ferguson is seen enjoying a glass of wine with his mother before checking his phone and learning his fundraising campaign had reached the £1 million mark. Overwhelmed, he put his head in his hands and broke down in tears. Throughout the journey, he has endured extreme weather, punishing terrain and physical exhaustion, travelling through states including California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York.
First Minister John Swinney announced this week that the Scottish Government would support the campaign with a £400,000 donation, helping Ferguson reach his goal. He has been assisted by close friend Matthew Allan in a support vehicle, and has received public backing from high-profile figures such as Kenny Dalglish, Jamie Murray, Lewis Capaldi and actor John Barrowman.
Posting on social media, Ferguson said: 'All I ever wanted to do with these challenges was to make a small difference. If I ever even helped just one 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 £1 million for SAMH.' He dedicated the achievement to Russell Campbell, a friend who inspired the challenge.
In 2024, Ferguson raised £77,000 for SAMH by walking from Glasgow to Munich ahead of Scotland's Euro 2024 opener. His Tartan Trek fundraiser has now surpassed £1,030,705. To donate, visit www.thetartantrek.co.uk.
