VIDEO: Hiker dad turns grief to grit with help of Hollywood superstar

Mr Bell, who hails from Nottingham, will be returning to the Lochaber area this spring as he heads north again to take on the John O’Groats to Land’s End hike in April, dressed as Jake’s favourite Marvel character Deadpool and walking in a portable bathtub.

He told The Lochaber Times: "This solo journey is about building resilience, developing coping strategies, and managing unwanted suicidal thoughts by putting one foot in front of the other. It serves as preparation — mentally and physically — for much larger endurance challenges still to come, including future long-distance walks carrying a bathtub as part of my suicide prevention work. This hike is the quiet foundation for what lies ahead."

While this month’s walk is a personal mission for him to undertake alone, Mr Bell will be inviting others from suicide prevention and mental health charities - as well as members of the public - to join him when he passes through the area again on his long-distance trek later this year.

He said: "One of the more unusual symbols people may see in future challenges is my use of Deadpool and rubber ducks. Deadpool was one of Jake’s favourite characters, and for me, he represents resilience, humour in darkness and continuing to show up even when life is painful.

"The rubber ducks carried on the bathtub each represent a loved one lost to suicide, shared with me by families and individuals from around the world during previous challenges. Together, they are a reminder that no one is alone in their grief and that every life lost matters.

"I’ve seen before how powerful community support can be. During a previous challenge in 2024, the response reached far wider than I ever expected, including encouragement from people across the world and support from a well-known A-list celebrity who plays Deadpool himself, Ryan Reynolds.

"While this journey is more personal and reflective, the response from the Scottish walking community has been just as meaningful. What continues to stand out to me is the generosity of spirit I encounter on the trails. When I look for the best in myself and try to give the world the best version of me, I’m reminded of how much good exists in others. That sense of connection matters deeply in suicide prevention — because feeling seen, heard, and supported can genuinely save lives.

He added: "I’m stepping onto these trails with pride, gratitude and purpose."

You can find out more about Walking4Hope and follow Mr Bell by visiting l.facebook.com/l.php?u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.justgiving.com%252Fpage%252Fjohn-bell-aka-dadpool-suicide-prevention%253Ffbclid%253DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEwSU1XdFJFWWUzUUJkajVjR3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7MfXaczxyRZTCAsmOSEAXlsS0IOxsHbiBs_d-1g2OF_IHmTwUFqH-MNm2Z6w_aem_ZJ89oIcnff81kOGbHUADpQ%26h%3DAT3zDIlzCqweEoIH8CuDNEXPcRNnS-QAOyUhawzGpq2oxqrAm7b4gld3A1CCc-l34McgiuHj1JTO5eHthamtSej_aHlzrgdpH0SBb68JzaiSq3SvwxQQwDB-1Vq77pBzrBO2RMGHKNb_2rBvGA&source=gmail&ust=1768467884265000&usg=AOvVaw1njfLfdoWU94hFDZ8Q_Xg2">www.justgiving.com/page/john-bell-aka-dadpool-suicide-prevention

And you can watch Ryan Reynolds interview Mr Bell, dressed as Deadpool, about his son Jake and why he carries a bathtub here.