By Emily Copeland

A man named Craig Ferguson is taking on a momentous challenge – all in aid of a very special cause.

The 22-year-old from Paisley, is currently walking 3,000 miles from Los Angeles to Boston in time for Scotland’s first World Cup group game in more than 28 years. Taking to social media to document his journey, from start to finish, he also tells of the famous faces he’s met along the way.

But Ferguson isn’t just taking on this challenge for fun or for an adventure. He is walking the equivalent of a marathon every day across America in a bid to raise £1 million for Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH).

It's not the first time that Ferguson has set himself on a major challenge for charity. Back in 2024, he walked from Hampden Park to Munich in time for Scotland’s Euro 2024 opener against Germany, while also raising awareness for mental health along the way.

Craig Ferguson at his final buddies match against Motherwell before he set off to the USA via Getty Images

Just 10 days into the challenge, so far, Ferguson has been lucky enough to have met some famous faces. Ross King, TV broadcaster, actor, and writer was in Los Angeles to wave off Ferguson and his friend Matthew Allan, who is accompanying him on the journey. King took to social media to share his best wishes, saying: “So honoured to wave off Craig Ferguson on his amazing charity walk from Los Angeles to Boston... more than 3,000 miles.”

John Barrowman, actor and writer, was another Scot who was on hand to offer his support, meeting with Ferguson in his Campervan in California on day two, with a selection of Scottish treats.

Scotland is cheering him on from afar and the support has been pouring in from across the country, with many following his progress online and across social media. So far, Ferguson has raised £41,071 and counting for SAMH, in his bid to reach a million.

Scottish First Minister John Swinney recognised Ferguson’s incredible efforts by hosting a reception at Bute House, before he left for America on the 22nd of February. Now in Las Vegas, making it through their first state, Craig and Matthew have a rest day planned, before continuing through Vegas, Monument Valley, Gateway Arch, Indianapolis, visiting The White House in Washington and then onto New York before finally arriving in Boston in time for the first game on the 14th of June, all going to plan of course.

Craig Ferguson at a Six Nations match against England via Getty Images

Taking to social media, with an update on day 10 Ferguson, said: “A huge milestone on day 10 it’s been a massive push to get here this quick over 110 miles in just 3 days but it’s already feeling worth it. I can’t thank you all enough for the incredible support everyone has shown the challenge so far, I am truly humbled and we have already raised over £40,000.”

With 100 days to go until Scotland take on Haiti in Boston, the journey for Ferguson continues – one step closer to the finish line, and one step closer to raising vital awareness and funds for mental health in Scotland.

I would walk 3000 miles: Meet the man walking from LA to Boston