A kilt-clad Scotland fan is walking all the way to the Euros in Germany raising £44,000 for charity – trekking 1,000 miles despite lacking tickets to matches.
Craig Ferguson, 20, has taken on the endurance feat on feet ahead of his country’s curtain-raiser opening match against the host nation in Munich this Friday.
He has been fund-raising for Glasgow male suicide prevention charity Brothers In Arms, winning widespread praise for his efforts and calls for him to be gifted a ticket.
And now Euro 2024 sponsors Peoples BYD have stepped in, handing over a last-minute ticket for Friday’s fixture at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.
Mr Ferguson, who is scheduled to arrive in Germany tomorrow, said: ‘I can’t believe it – I thought I was going to miss out.
‘I didn’t realise how far I’d come until I zoomed out on a map and went, “Oh, God”.’
Admirers have been praising him online, with one fan posting: ‘Give him free tickets to any games he wants, and as much beer as he wants for free.’
Another wrote: ‘Amazing. Some people can’t even walk 12,000 steps. Hope they get him a ticket for at least one of the matches.’
And he was also told: ‘Someone better have a pint waiting for him when he gets to Munich – what a fantastic effort and a fantastic cause.’
He has also been backed by Scottish singing duo the Proclaimers, whose hits include I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) and who posted a video message about him.
They said: ‘We’re The Proclaimers and this is going out to Craig Ferguson on your fantastic endeavour in walking a thousand miles into Germany.
“All the very very best and congratulations on your effort. Well done.’
Mr Ferguson, a waiter from Paisley in Renfrewshire, previously described any chance of watching Scotland manager Steve Clarke’s men in action as ‘a bonus’.
He said of his trek: ‘It’s been the journey of a lifetime.
‘I’ve got a love for travel and exploring anyway, but on this journey going through so many different towns, cities and villages you meet so many amazing people.
‘It really has been something so special so far.’
He began his walk at Scotland’s national stadium Hampden Park in Glasgow, where the side played their last pre-Euros match last Friday – a 2-2 draw with Finland.
The mission has taken him through Scotland, England and on a ferry to the Netherlands, then Belgium and Luxembourg – with overnight stays in hotels to provide some much-needed rest.
He said: ‘It’s honestly amazing. You don’t realise how far you’ve come on a journey like this until you take a step back and zoom out on a map and go, “Oh God, I’ve come quite a distance”.’
Mr Ferguson was prompted to carry out the walk after losing family and friends who suffered mental health difficulties.
He said: ‘If I can spread a little bit of positivity and awareness of that cause throughout the challenge I’ll be dead happy with that.’
Brothers In Arms founder Dan Proverbs said: ‘Craig’s determination and passion are truly inspiring.
‘His walk has not only raised much-needed funds but also brought attention to the vital issue of men’s mental health.
‘The outpouring of support he has received shows just how much his story has resonated with people. We are incredibly proud of what he has achieved.’
Scotland face not only hosts Germany but also Switzerland and Hungary in Group A.
They are taking part in only their second major tournament since the 1998 World Cup in France, having previously competed in the Covid-delayed Euro 2020 finals.
A bagpipe player provided a welcome at Munich airport for fans travelling over from Glasgow and Edinburgh airports ahead of Friday’s game.
Meanwhile, Gareth Southgate’s England are in Group C – with an initial fixture against Serbia this Sunday evening.
They then take on Denmark on Thursday next week and Slovenia five days later.