A charity campaigner from Scotland has reached a major milestone in his 3,000-mile, kilted walk across the United States.
Craig Ferguson has arrived in Washington DC, having walked about 2,800 miles so far, with just 450 to go on his Tartan Trek.
The 22-year-old, of Paisley, Renfrewshire, set off from Santa Monica Pier, California, on February 24, and was walked around a marathon distance (26.2 miles) every day since.
His finishing line is in Boston where he intends to see his team compete in the World Cup.
The Scot, who previously said his team and a “nice cold pint” at the finish line are the inspirations that drives him, has raised more than £170,000 for mental health charity SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), with a target of £1 million.
Starting in California, Mr Ferguson’s intended route took him through Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia to Maryland, before he heads north to Boston.
He said the people he has met along the way have proved integral in helping him to keep going, with strangers offering him water, and others approaching him to share their own mental health stories.
Mr Ferguson remembered meeting an elderly woman in Illinois with dementia.
The pair shared a brief but nice conversation, and he was later contacted by the woman’s granddaughter who said her gran had spoken of “the Scottish boy walking across America” long after they met, despite her condition.
Speaking from Washington DC, Mr Ferguson 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.”
He added: “We’ve now raised over £170,000, which is incredible, but there’s still a long way to go to hit that £1 million 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 and 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.”
To support Craig’s Tartan Trek or make a donation, visit: www.thetartantrek.co.uk
