Walking 4 Hope was co-founded by John Bell, whose son Jake died in 2020 at just 15 years old. 

John struggled with suicidal ideation following the tragic loss of his son, and overcame it by going on fundraising walks while dressed as Jake’s favorite Marvel character, Deadpool. As you’re probably aware, Ryan plays Deadpool in the movie franchise. 

John carries a bathtub on these charity walks to represent the invisible weight that burdens those who are struggling with their mental health.

After learning about John, Ryan arranged to meet him for “the proper Hollywood Deadpool treatment,” where he was fully transformed into the character — complete with special FX makeup. 

The two men then sat down for a conversation, which is when Ryan asked John to tell him about Jake. 

“He was just so funny,” John said as he fought back tears. “So comical, and we did everything together. He was my first-born son, he was just absolutely everything to me.”