John Bell, who is working to raise awareness of suicide prevention, has been welcomed by Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
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Bell has been walking with a bathtub from Mansfield to WrexhamWants to raise awareness against suicideWrexham owners moved by Bell's effortsWHAT HAPPENED?
Bell's mission involves walking 140 miles from Mansfield Town to Wales, in time for Mansfield's away game against Wrexham. His initiative aims to shed light on mental health issues and raise funds for suicide prevention efforts.
Tragically, Bell's motivation stems from personal loss – his son, Jake, passed away in 2020 at the age of 15. Since then, Bell has been actively involved in advocating for mental health awareness. He co-founded the charity Walking 4 Hope, dedicating his efforts to supporting individuals and families affected by mental health struggles.
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In a symbolic gesture, Bell has chosen to undertake his journey dressed as Deadpool, Jake's favourite superhero. The choice holds profound significance, as it not only honours Jake's memory but also aligns with the support received from Ryan Reynolds, who portrays Deadpool on screen.
Accompanying Bell on his expedition is a bathtub, serving as a poignant symbol of the emotional burdens carried by individuals facing mental health challenges. Adorned with rubber ducks, each representing a lost loved one, the bathtub serves as a visual reminder of the impact of mental health struggles on families.
WHAT BELL & REYNOLDS SAID
In an interview with Bell said: "I got back from the challenge the other night and I had got a message from Ryan Reynolds himself. Between Ryan and [Wrexham co-owner] Rob McElhenney, they've made a sizeable donation. I was shaking messaging back. I thanked them for their kind words, it was absolutely beautiful what Ryan wrote, it means absolutely everything."
Whereas, Reynolds wrote on Rob and I are excited to have John Bell in Wrexham this Friday. Let’s give him a warm welcome. John’s story is an incredible testament to his strength and capacity to turn pain into action."
DID YOU KNOW?
Bell's journey commenced in Mansfield, with planned stops in towns and cities along the route, including Ripley, Derby, Burton-upon-Trent, Stoke-on-Trent, Crewe, and Chester. Despite the physical and emotional demands of the endeavour, Bell remains resolute in his mission, buoyed by the outpouring of support and encouragement from Reynolds, McElhenney, and the wider community.
Andy Vessey, the coordinator of the walk, expressed optimism about the journey's progress, noting the positive impact of Reynolds' endorsement on Bell's morale.
He said: "Deadpool was Jake's favourite Marvel character so to get a message from Ryan Reynolds was quite a thing for John.
"We started out at Burton Albion this morning and walked through to St George's Park, and have left for Uttoxeter. Everything is going very, very well so far."