Kilted Scotsman walks across America to reach the World Cup and raise awareness for mental health
Craig Ferguson, a soccer fan from Scotland, is walking across the entire United States in a kilt, with the goal of reaching Boston in time for the World Cup.
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As soccer fans around the world get ready to come to the United States and New Jersey for the World Cup, one supporter is taking an ambitious road to the tournament.
Craig Ferguson, a soccer fan from Scotland, is walking across the entire United States in a kilt, with the goal of reaching Boston in time for the World Cup. He began his journey in Los Angeles nearly 100 days ago.
His route has taken him through state after state, covering thousands of miles on foot. Along the way, he has marked each state he’s crossed with a star on his gear.
While the kilt often catches people’s attention, Ferguson says the walk is about much more than soccer or even Scottish pride. He says the journey is dedicated to raising awareness for men’s mental health and honoring the memory of a friend’s father, who died by suicide.
“One of my best friends lost his father to suicide around seven years ago,” Ferguson said. “I wanted to do this challenge as almost a thank you to heaven for coming up with the idea, and also a way to give back to Russell and his father.”
Ferguson says conversations about mental health have become one of the most meaningful parts of the trek. At nearly every stop, people share their own experiences or stories about loved ones who have struggled.
“I think whether it’s not them personally or it’s someone that they know, the impact of mental health runs so deeply,” he said. “That’s what I try and carry with me every step of the way.”
As he continues toward the finish line, Ferguson hopes his journey sends a simple message to anyone who may be struggling.
“It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve been through,” he said. “There’s a kilted Scotsman who’s willing to walk 2,000 miles to show you that you’re not in this alone.”
