WHAT IS WALKING 4 HOPE
Walking for hope is the name of the Charity/Organisation being set up by John and his friends and family to assist families and young people to connect with the world and help them with their own personal growth in life and establish self love and worth via organised guided walks in some of Britain's most beautiful national parks.
After losing his 15 year old son Jake Bell to suicide, John found himself battling with his mental health and trying to find reasons to go on, unfortunately there isn't any magic pill that fixes this. After spending the first year finding himself and some type of solace with the outdoors and challenging himself physical, he realised that everything is connected despite what religious belief system we believe in and what differences there are between us, everything is connected and we are all unique.
This is just a snippet of John's story, which I have no doubt will be told through his life and journey choosing to help others and minimise other families being in this same position. The ripple effect is huge
All of this will work in association with Camp Elysium, which you will find more information about below.
I will be taking on huge challenges physically and mentally to raise funding to help others and work alongside other organisations and charities and people who are on a similar journey to help others and show them their worth and how beautiful the world truly is and work with them and their families to give them the chance to live a happy long life and lower stress and anxiety levels.
WHAT IS CAMP ELYSIUM
Camp Elysium will be a retreat camp based around supporting families and young people who are going through a difficult time. It will be focused around eco-therapy -using the great outdoors and going back to basics away from the stresses of 9-5 and our busy, hectic lives. Families and young people will have the opportunity to build shelters, learn and practise bush craft, camping, participate in organised walks in the great British natural parks and peaks (catered for different fitness levels and family friendly), and create and produce artwork and crafts using the natural resources around us.
Regardless of the activity, safeguarding will be paramount. The aim will be to create a safe and comfortable environment where people can learn and practise how to connect properly with nature and develop an understanding of themselves and others - as an individual, as a family and as a community.
Camp Elysium: Heaven on Earth is a Safe Haven going back to the basics of life.
To support all of this John is currently doing a number of challenges and events to raise funds in order to set up Camp Elysium. This will, in turn, support families and young people struggling through trauma, grief and every day troubles that can make us feel detached from the so called 'norm'.
