Scots man who walked to Munich for Euros completes new challenge for men's suicide charity
A young Scots man who famously walked to Munich for the Euros last year to raise money for a men's mental health charity has now completed a new challenge.
Craig Ferguson, 22, made headlines last summer while travelling solo through six countries, ending his mighty trek in Germany, in aid of Brothers in Arms - a Glasgow charity tackling men's mental health and suicide prevention.
Exactly one year on from his iconic Euros trek, Craig, of Paisley in Renfrewshire, has ticked off another incredible challenge to the list.
On Monday June 30, Craig completed a 400-mile journey in just 16 days. He trekked, in his kilt, from Scotland's most Southern point, the Mull of Galloway to Dunnet Head, its most Northern tip.
Craig raised a whopping £77,800 for the charity last year, and is now adding to the pot with over £5,200 raised during last month's walk.
Speaking to Glasgow Live, he said mental health will "continue to be a cause I fight for until we see a real shift".
He said: "I'm incredibly patriotic, so exploring Scotland was super fun. The full of the West Highland Way was just glorious - what really took me back was the hospitality from everyone throughout the trek, particularly those in the Highlands.
"I had the kilt back out of course, it's screaming to be retired".
Craig is hoping to "end the stigma" around mental health, particularly in men. He added: "Men's mental health is an issue that means the world to me, and it will continue to be a cause I fight for until we see a real shift — both in the conversation and in the harrowing statistics surrounding male suffering and suicide.
"This isn't just about raising money; it's about challenging the stigma, changing the narrative, and helping men know they're not alone."
At the finish line, the 22-year-old was met with his mum, dad and gran, as well as Dunnet Head locals and a piper.
"I got such a special reception at Dunnet Head - there were people from the community clapping me in. It's good to know you're making a difference, it was quite emotional."
Craig is nowhere near done yet, he added: "As long as my little legs continue to be able to walk, I will. I'll continue to push for change and try to make a difference in the space".
With the World Cup qualifiers coming up this September, Craig said: "If we do qualify, people can definitely expect something from me. I have a few ideas in mind".
Craig's JustGiving page is still open to donate. If you wish to contribute, then visit - https://www.justgiving.com/page/walkacrossscotland?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leader Live
2 hours ago
- Leader Live
Sarina Wiegman: England are not thinking about consequences of Netherlands clash
The Lionesses' 2-1 opening loss to France has left their title defence hanging by a thread and it does not get any easier with the 2017 champions up next in Zurich. England will become the first holders to crash out at the group stage if they lose and France avoid defeat to Wales. 'We don't talk about consequences,' Wiegman said. 'We talk about our game plan again, about what we have to do to be at our best and how we can exploit spaces that the Netherlands leave behind.' Full squad out on the pitch today ahead of the Netherlands 👊 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 8, 2025 Saturday's defeat was also a first for Wiegman in the group stage of a major tournament, having led the Netherlands to the trophy in a flawless campaign, then doing the same with England four years later. This is a different kind of jeopardy but not one that has changed Wiegman's perspective. She said: 'It's a game. It's a football game and the outcome, of course, has consequences, but that was the same in the final in the Euros and the final in the World Cup. 'So we bring it back to 'what do we have to do?' And the focus is what actions do we have to take to play our best. That's the conversation we have with the players. That's what we train and how we can stick together? 'In good moments that's easier. When it's harder moments, how do we come together and get back to what we have to do.' Arsenal striker Alessia Russo, who had a would-be opening goal chalked off against France, agreed England can rely on their good track record of responding to unfavourable results. She said: 'Ultimately we don't like losing but when a result like that happens you have to reflect, you have to come together as a team. 'We have bounced back before, which will give us confidence. But also we know we weren't up to it against France. Looking ahead 👊 — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 7, 2025 'Obviously they were a great team as well but we know within our standards that we want to be better. 'So I think that sets the bar for us in training and tomorrow night. We're our own biggest critics as players, so we're all ready to get back out and have another game.' In the weeks leading up to this tournament, Wiegman and the Lionesses have branded themselves a 'new England', but on Monday midfielder Georgia Stanway said the side were determined to play a 'traditional style' of football. However traditional and new ultimately intersect on Wednesday night, the match cannot come soon enough for Russo and her team-mates. She added: 'When you have a disappointing result in football, all you want to do is get back out on the pitch and play again. 'Luckily with tournaments it comes around a bit quicker than normal. Four days is plenty for us to want to be back out on that pitch. I think everyone is ready and looking forward to tomorrow.'
The Guardian
2 hours ago
- The Guardian
Fifa opens office in Trump Tower, deepening ties with US president
Fifa's relationship with the US president, Donald Trump, now has a physically tangible marker, with soccer's world governing body announcing it has opened an office in Trump Tower in New York City. The announcement of the new office came on Monday evening, after Fifa placed the Club World Cup trophy on display in the lobby of the skyscraper on the south-west corner of Central Park in an event attended by several Fifa dignitaries including its president, Gianni Infantino, and the Brazilian great Ronaldo as well as Eric Trump, the son of the US president and executive vice-president of the Trump Organization. 'Fifa [is] a global organisation [and] to be global you have to be local, you have to be everywhere, so we have to be in New York,' Infantino said. 'Not just for the Fifa Club World Cup this year and the Fifa World Cup next year – we have to be in New York as well when it comes to where our offices are based. Thank you, Eric [Trump], thank you to everyone. Thanks, of course, to president Trump as well.' Fifa did not provide specifics on which staff or departments would be housed in New York. It is now a tenant of the company owned by the sitting US president with the start of its biggest and most lucrative tournament next June. It follows Fifa's opening in 2024 of an office in Miami, Florida, which houses the organization's legal division and some staff responsible for putting on the Club World Cup and next year's World Cup. Some staff from Fifa's global headquarters in Zurich were relocated to the US to work in Miami. 'On behalf of myself, on behalf of New York, on behalf of the Trump Organization and everybody that works in this building – we love you,' Eric Trump said in remarks at the event. 'We're honoured, we're excited about all the things that Fifa is doing.' The office opening continues efforts by Fifa and Infantino to appear publicly close to the US president, with Infantino describing his relationship with Trump as 'absolutely crucial' in a February meeting with the International Football Association Board in February. Infantino has since appeared with the US president at several public events, including at the Oval Office when announcing the creation of a World Cup task force. In that meeting, Infantino presented Trump with the Club World Cup trophy, which has continued to be on display in the Oval Office for all of the president's scheduled events in the space. Infantino was later present at the first public meeting of the World Cup taskforce, at which he was seated alongside Trump with vice-president JD Vance. Sign up to Soccer with Jonathan Wilson Jonathan Wilson brings expert analysis on the biggest stories from European soccer after newsletter promotion Infantino also accompanied Trump to the Middle East this year – a trip that made him late for the Fifa congress in Paraguay, angering Fifa delegates who walked out of the gathering in protest. Uefa later accused Infantino of putting 'private political interests' ahead of his Fifa responsibilities, and Human Rights Watch demanded that Infantino reveal the specific purpose and details of his trip, which he has yet to do. 'As president of Fifa my responsibility is to make decisions in the interests of the organisation,' Infantino said at the congress, where he apologized for his tardyness. 'I felt that I needed to be there to represent football and all of you.'
Glasgow Times
2 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Lions captain Maro Itoje backs Owen Farrell for England return
Farrell has been called up to his fourth expedition with the Lions as a replacement for the injured Elliot Daily and there is a possibility he will be involved in the series against the Wallabies as fly-half and inside centre cover. Any appearance would be his first Test since the 2023 World Cup, after which he stepped back from international rugby to prioritise his and his family's mental wellbeing before then joining Racing 92, making him ineligible for England selection. But by agreeing a return to Saracens for next season he is available once more – and Itoje would endorse his comeback for the national side. 'Yeah, why not? I want to see him be happy,' said Itoje, who has played under Farrell with both Saracens and England. 'If he wants to play for England, why not? That would be amazing if that's in his plans and in his dreams. 'Owen is one of the best England players that we've ever seen. A fit Owen Farrell makes any team better. If that's in his ambitions, why not?' Farrell's presence in Australia has ignited speculation that Itoje's authority as Lions captain may now be undermined, but the 30-year-old insists his former schoolmate at St George's in Harpenden will be only a positive voice. Itoje arrives at a team run in Canberra on Tuesday (Robbie Stephenson/PA) 'I've known him for donkey's years now. I have a very good relationship with him. And he just wants the squad to do well,' he said. 'Sport, for me particularly, is never about ego. I want people to speak, have their voices heard and contribute in a positive way. 'It's never about me, if I'm captain, having the final say or sticking my chest out or anything like that. It's not about that. 'It's about how can we as a collective get the best result? How can we as a collective win? How can the team be successful? Because when the team is successful, first of all, you can't do it by yourself. 'And two, when the team is successful, everyone wins. Everyone has a brighter light shone on them. Itoje has spoken of the 'very good relationship' he shares with ex-schoolmate Farrell (Ben Whitley/PA) 'And everyone can dine on that glory for years to come. So that's all I care about. And I know Owen's the exact same. That's not an issue at all.' Johnny Sexton, the former Ireland fly-half who is the Lions' kicking coach in Australia, insists Farrell is a valuable addition to the squad. 'Experience is experience. He's a world-class player. Look at what he's won,' Sexton said. 'He's not just a guy who has hung on to the coat-tails of other people, he's the one who has been driving those teams. British and Irish Lions coach Johnny Sexton is interviewed by the media on Tuesday (Robbie Stephenson/PA) 'He's been fantastic to have in camp and I'm sure he's going to add loads for the rest of the tour.' The Lions were guilty of being too lateral in Saturday's disappointing victory over the New South Wales Waratahs, and Itoje wants them to be more direct in Wednesday's clash with the ACT Brumbies in Canberra. 'We need to punch holes, get go forward and then space opens up, wherever that may be,' said Itoje, who leads a Test-strength side. 'At times we've been very good in playing direct and playing through teams. But at times we probably look to go wide before we probably earn the right.'
