Celtic Fan Hits Milestone on 1,000-Mile Parkhead Charity Walk

Swedish Celtic supporter Ella Stensdotter has passed the 200-mile mark on her remarkable walk to Glasgow in aid of the Celtic FC Foundation.

Ella began her journey on August 25 in Helsingborg, the hometown of Henrik Larsson, with the aim of walking around 1,000 miles to Celtic Park almost entirely on foot, apart from ferry crossings.

The ambitious trek is taking her through five countries: Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, England and Scotland.

In an update sent to CeltsAreHere, Ella confirmed she has now made it through Denmark and into Germany. She is currently in Lübeck in northern Germany, with around 205 miles completed so far.

Ella said: “I passed 200 miles yesterday and have now made it through Denmark and into Germany. I’m currently in Lübeck in northern Germany, with around 205 miles behind me so far.”

She added: “Still a very long way to Glasgow, but I’m getting there!”

CeltsAreHere first covered Ella’s planned walk back in July, before the challenge got underway. She had spent months preparing for the journey, which will see her cover between 15 and 25 miles each day while carrying what she needs in a backpack.

Ella previously explained that the idea came during a difficult period in her life following hospitalisation earlier this year. Walking became part of rebuilding confidence, and what started as a personal challenge soon turned into something much bigger.

 

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After her mother jokingly suggested she walk all the way to Glasgow, Ella decided to take the idea seriously and use the journey to raise money for the Celtic FC Foundation.

Her connection with Celtic stretches back to childhood in Sweden, where she grew up watching Larsson in the Hoops. Other Swedish figures, including Johan Mjällby, Mikael Lustig, Carl Starfelt and current midfielder Benjamin Nygren, have also strengthened that bond over the years.

Ella later moved to Glasgow to study for a master’s degree at the University of Glasgow, and her connection with the club only grew from there.

She hopes to arrive in Glasgow on October 16, the eve of Celtic’s home match against Hearts.

Ella also thanked CeltsAreHere readers for helping give the walk early attention when it was first announced.

She said: “I think you were the very first to reach out and it made a huge impact in getting everything started. I’m still so grateful for that.

“Thank you again for everything you did to help me get this going. It really did mean a lot.”

Supporters can follow Ella’s progress on Instagram via @ellastensdotter and support the fundraiser through her donation page here.