A letter from our Founder, John Bell:

 

Dear Friends,

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Losing a child is the deepest pain a parent can ever know. When my 15-year-old son, Jake, died on 17th July 2020, my world stopped. I found myself standing in the darkest places of my own mind — places no one should ever have to go.

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For a long time, I searched for a way to be close to him again. In that search, I discovered two paths: one that would take me away from this world, and another that would ask me to keep living — not just existing, but living with purpose, compassion, and love.

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It took time, silence, and countless steps through the mountains before I realised the truth: Jake’s love didn’t die. It became the light I now carry. Through that light, I found a way to walk forward — and to help others do the same.

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The outdoors gave me space to breathe when the world felt too small for my grief. Nature became my place of strength, my teacher, and my reminder that even after the harshest winters, life finds a way to grow again.

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That journey became Walking 4 Hope — a community built from love, loss, and the belief that no one should ever walk through darkness alone. It’s not about avoiding pain, but transforming it into something that brings others peace, courage, and connection.

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I don’t share my story to speak of suffering — I share it to shine a light for those who are still searching for theirs. My life’s purpose now is simple: to make hope when I can’t see it, and to show others that they can, too.

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Everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and loved. Together, we can build a world that chooses kindness over judgement, compassion over silence, and hope over despair.

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When you wake up and can’t find the sunshine — be the sunshine.

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With love and hope,
John Bell
Founder, Walking 4 Hope