John Bell’s story began with unimaginable personal loss.

In 2020, John’s world changed forever when he lost his 15-year-old son, Jake. The heartbreak of that moment reshaped his outlook on life and gave him a renewed sense of purpose — to dedicate himself to suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and the promotion of hope and self-belief.

Overwhelmed by grief and guilt, John’s journey back from darkness became one of courage, discipline, and resilience. Through his experience, he has channelled his pain into purpose — inspiring others to keep going, to find strength through struggle, and to believe that even in the darkest moments, hope can still be found.

In 2023, John founded Walking4Hope, a registered charity created to provide families and young people with support through recreational and outdoor activities designed to bolster mental wellbeing. The charity offers organised walks, talking groups, and signposting to further help and resources — using nature and community as powerful tools for healing.

As part of the charity’s fundraising and awareness campaigns, John takes on extreme walking challenges dressed as his son’s favourite superhero, Deadpool, while carrying a specially modified bathtub — a powerful symbol of the invisible weight carried by those struggling with mental health.

In April 2024, John completed one of his most remarkable challenges yet — walking from Mansfield to Wrexham over seven days, covering more than 140 miles with the bathtub in tow. His efforts caught the attention of Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds (a.k.a. Deadpool) and Rob McElhenney, who personally reached out to support John’s journey and invited him to London for an interview to help raise awareness for his cause.

That same year, John’s remarkable dedication was recognised nationally when he was honoured with the prestigious Points of Light Award, celebrating his outstanding contribution to mental health awareness and charitable work.

In 2025, John continued to inspire others, proudly serving as one of the Baton of Hope bearers during its tour of Great Britain — a national movement promoting suicide prevention — and later that year, he was named a regional winner in the Pride of Britain Awards.

Today, John remains committed to spreading a message of resilience, compassion, and hope — proving that even in the aftermath of tragedy, one person’s determination can spark a movement that changes lives