MEET THE TEAM
Founder and Charity Ambassador: John Bell
John Bell is the founder of Walking 4 Hope and a devoted father to his late son, Jake.
After the devastating loss of 15-year-old Jake, John’s world changed forever. In his search for meaning, healing, and strength, he turned to the mountains — walking through pain, silence, and self-discovery.
What began as one man’s journey to survive heartbreak became a mission to help others find their own light through the darkness. Step by step, John transformed his personal grief into a powerful movement of hope, community, and resilience.
Through countless miles on the trails, John discovered the deep connection between nature, healing, and human resilience. This realisation led to the creation of Walking 4 Hope, a charity built on the belief that the outdoors can be a lifeline — a place to breathe, to connect, and to rebuild.
Today, John continues to lead by example, walking alongside others who are facing life’s toughest challenges. His message is simple yet profound: you can find strength in the struggle and purpose in the pain.
John’s passion and authenticity have inspired thousands, earning him national recognition, including:
🏆 The Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award
🏅 Regional Winner – Pride of Britain Fundraiser of the Year (East Midlands)
🎖️ Acknowledgement from actor Ryan Reynolds for his dedication and impact in supporting others.
John’s journey is a reminder that hope is not found by avoiding the storm — but by learning to walk through it, one step at a time.
Chair to the board of Trustees: Andrew Vessey
Secretary to the board of Trustees: Hazel Platts
Trustee: Dennis Sayles
Bio's currently being updated.
A Brief History of the Charity’s Oversight
Walking 4 Hope was officially launched as a registered charity in early 2023, following its founding by Chris Atkinson and John Bell in 2022. At its inception, Christopher became a trustee alongside Joanne Bell and Lynda Weale. They were soon joined by David Miller, Shirley Miller, and later, Jennifer Holding. Together, these six trustees played a vital role in shaping the charity’s early direction and supporting its growth during its formative months.
Working closely with John Bell at the heart of this initiative, the trustees were supported by a dedicated group of volunteers, friends, and supporters who generously contributed their time and energy to events and fundraising efforts. The charity also received valuable backing from corporate donors during this period. Key policies were established, and awareness was raised through social media, word of mouth, the charity’s website, and several radio and television broadcasts. A wide range of fundraising events and challenges helped increase the charity’s visibility, particularly in Mansfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield, and further afield. Many individuals benefited from Walking 4 Hope’s peer-to-peer support and community walks.
By summer 2024, the trustee board had evolved, with four active trustees remaining following the departure of Lynda and Joanne. In spring 2025, it became clear that the charity was ready for a new chapter—one that would build on the strong foundations already in place. John Bell transitioned into the role of Ambassador, and three new trustees, Hazel Platt, Andrew Vessey, and Dennis Sayles were appointed to help guide the charity forward.
In August 2025, Chris, David, Shirley, and Jennifer formally stepped down as trustees, having successfully handed over their core responsibilities to Hazel, Andrew and Dennis. The outgoing trustees would like to express their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to the charity’s journey—whether through time, resources, or support.
As Walking 4 Hope enters its next phase, all those connected to its mission eagerly anticipate the continued promotion of mental health and well-being through resilience-building in nature.