Scotland fan in 1,000-mile walk from Hampden to Munich for mental health charity

A Scotland fan has begun a 1,000 mile walk from Glasgow to the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany to raise money and awareness for men’s mental health.

Craig Ferguson, of Paisley, set off from Scotland’s national football stadium Hampden, to Munich.

The 20-year-old left at 10am on Saturday and will walk for 37 days, aiming to arrive in time for the first game of the tournament on June 14 between Germany and Scotland.

All the money he raises will go towards Brothers in Arms, a Scottish men’s mental health charity.

Craig will walk for 37 days in a bid to raise funds for charity. STV News

Mr Ferguson initially intended to raise £10,000 but having already beaten that target, he now hopes to hit £50,000 by the time he reaches Germany.

The first leg of his challenge will see him walk from Glasgow to Hull, East Yorkshire, which he hopes to complete in 12 days.

He will then take the ferry to Rotterdam in Holland, and cross six countries before reaching Germany.

While walking, he will wear a specially crafted, ultra-light sports kilt in a Euros tartan by Scottish kilt-makers Slanj.

The flags of Scotland’s group A opponents, Germany, Switzerland and Hungary are all featured in the kilt’s design, while a dark blue backdrop represents the colour of the Scottish strip.

Supporters can follow his journey through an online tracker, updated daily using his GPS location.

Ahead of his journey, he said: “You see things like this, and you wonder, what was going through his head? What started off as a joke with a friend about how we are going to get to Germany, sort of spiralled into a chance to make awareness of such an important issue all across this country.

“So I thought raising money for men’s mental health and suicide prevention was an issue that was super close to my heart, and if we can raise as much awareness along the way I just felt I needed to do this.

“I’ve not got a ticket yet, but I’m a bit of an optimist. But that’s not what this challenge is about. This challenge is about raising awareness for such an important cause like I said.

“If I get a ticket its a bonus, but I’m just looking forward to getting to Munich.

“The response from my friends and family has been, ‘ you are crazy’, but the support has just been overwhelming. Everyone is so behind me and I think that will really help motivate me on the days that it gets a bit tough.

“I am so excited to get going and can’t wait to fly the flag for Scotland on this special journey.”

The money raised for Brothers in Arms will go towards the development of a digital “talking and listening” tool named Blethr that aims to lower the male suicide rate in Scotland.

Brothers in Arms founder Dan Proverbs thanked Mr Ferguson for his support, and said “promoting men’s mental health awareness is a global issue” that is “severely underfunded”.

He added: “We are incredibly proud of Craig.

“He is a shining example of what can be achieved when you set your mind to it, and we are so grateful that he has chosen to complete this epic challenge for Brothers in Arms.”

Donations to Craig’s walk can be made here.