Jacob McDonald, a 10-year-old from Dundee, is undertaking an ambitious journey across Scotland's professional football landscape to honour his mother Vivienne, who died from a rare lung disease when he was just 18 months old. Accompanied by his father Kenny, Jacob is walking ten laps around each of the 42 grounds operated by clubs in the Scottish Professional Football League, a feat that will see the pair travel more than 6,000 miles from Ross County in the north to Stranraer in the south. The challenge, known as Jacob's Ground Journeys, aims to raise money and awareness for pulmonary fibrosis, the incurable progressive condition that claimed Vivienne's life at age 32.
According to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust, by completing ten laps of each pitch, Jacob and Kenny will walk the equivalent of three marathons by the time they finish the full circuit. So far, the duo have completed 18 football grounds, including the major stadiums of Celtic, Rangers, and St Mirren. The fundraising total has grown substantially, with recent reports indicating the campaign has raised around £6,500, though some sources suggest the total may be considerably higher.
Jacob became an ambassador for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust when he was seven years old. Pulmonary fibrosis is an incurable condition that progresses over time, with a typical prognosis of between three and five years from diagnosis. Vivienne was diagnosed with the disease when she was 28 and was told she could never have children, making Jacob's birth a remarkable development. Kenny reflected on the emotional complexity of that period, saying that despite knowing Vivienne would not survive, the family chose to focus on living rather than on her mortality.
How has the challenge unfolded so far?
Jacob has demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm and resilience throughout the journey. Speaking about his experience, Jacob said:
It's been so much fun so far. Some of the pitches are massive and my legs get really tired, but I just think about my mum and keep going. My favourite ground so far was East Kilbride because everyone was so supportive. Dad jokes I walk faster than him now.
Kenny explained that Jacob's adventurous nature and typical 10-year-old desire for attention have helped drive the challenge forward. He told a national broadcaster:
He likes to be adventurous, looking at different places, and being a typical 10-year-old boy as well, he loves the attention.
The pair have received considerable support from the football community. Jacob has met professional players including Dundee's Simon Murray and former Celtic player Charlie Mulgrew. At Edinburgh City, the players applauded Jacob on his final lap, which Kenny described as
a lovely touch.Kenny also noted that
clubs and businesses across the country had been incredibly generous.
Jacob has sensory sensitivities, finding bright light and noise challenging to manage, and he wears ear defenders during the challenge. Kenny remains with him at all times to provide support and ensure his wellbeing throughout the journey.
What was Vivienne's legacy?
Kenny described Vivienne as having a
heart of gold.Her impact on Jacob's life extended beyond her death through letters she left hidden around the house for her son and husband to discover. She had written milestone letters for Jacob's 16th, 18th, and 21st birthdays, as well as additional letters that Kenny plans to give Jacob when he starts high school so he can better understand his mother's love and wishes for his future.
Kenny reflected on the difficulty of facing Vivienne's mortality while she was pregnant:
It was quite difficult, knowing Vivienne was going to pass and I was going to be left with Jacob. And to be fair, the whole time that Vivienne was carrying Jacob we never spoke about her mortality. We just got on with it, she was happy, I was happy.
Jacob's challenge builds on a tradition of inspirational fundraising journeys across Scotland and the UK. Similar to how Paul Choat completed all 282 Scottish Munros in memory of his father who died from motor neurone disease, Jacob's Ground Journeys combines personal tribute with charitable awareness-raising. The campaign also reflects broader efforts by organisations like Aberdeen paramedics who have launched Wish Ambulance Scotland to help terminally ill patients make final journeys to meaningful places.
What comes next?
According to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust, Jacob and Kenny will continue their journey until they have visited all 42 SPFL grounds. With 18 stadiums completed at the time of recent reports, 24 grounds remain on their itinerary. The challenge will take them across the full breadth of Scotland, completing their mission to raise awareness of pulmonary fibrosis while honouring Vivienne's memory through every step of the journey.
