MEET THE TEAM
John Bell
Founder & Ambassador – Walking 4 Hope
John Bell is the Founder and Ambassador of Walking 4 Hope, a mental health and suicide prevention charity dedicated to helping people find hope, connection, and purpose through walking, peer support, and community.
A former Royal Engineers soldier, Prison Officer, and Hostage Negotiator, John has spent much of his life supporting others through challenge and adversity. However, nothing could prepare him for the devastating loss of his firstborn son, Jake, in July 2020.
Following Jake's tragic accident, John found himself facing the darkest period of his life. Through his own journey of grief, resilience, and self-discovery, he made a decision to transform pain into purpose and dedicate his life to helping others.
This led to the creation of Walking 4 Hope.
Today, the charity provides weekly wellbeing walks, peer support groups, family activities, outdoor challenges, arts and wellbeing sessions, and community events designed to reduce isolation and bring people together. John remains actively involved in delivering support, facilitating groups, organising events, fundraising, and raising awareness around mental health and wellbeing.
Alongside his charity work, John has completed numerous endurance fundraising challenges across the United Kingdom, including the remarkable journey from John O'Groats to Land's End alongside fellow bereaved father Graham Lynk. Together they covered approximately 960 miles in just 43 days, raising awareness of grief, mental health, and the power of human connection.
John's work has received recognition from Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, owners of Wrexham AFC, as well as John and Carolyn Radford of Mansfield Town Football Club.
His dedication to supporting others has led to several prestigious honours, including:
• Prime Minister's Points of Light Award
• Pride of Britain Regional Fundraiser of the Year
• Mansfield Mayor's Mayoral Commendation
• Multiple community recognition awards for fundraising and charitable service
John also speaks publicly through his Grief to Grit initiative, delivering keynote talks and workshops focused on resilience, accountability, purpose, and overcoming adversity through lived experience.
His vision is to create a permanent Walking 4 Hope Base Camp — a place where people can find support, connection, hope, and the opportunity to move forward one step at a time.
"You are the purpose."
Read John's Full Story
Behind the awards, challenges, and charity work is a father's story of unimaginable loss, resilience, and hope.
Discover how the loss of Jake inspired the creation of Walking 4 Hope, the challenges that followed, and the mission that continues to help others today.
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.