Bereaved Port Talbot family take on annual daffodil walk in memory of their hero

Every bereaved family remembers their loved one in different ways. For Wendy John and her sons, Dylan (21), Harvey (20) and Ethan (16), that way is the daffodil walk – a ten-mile journey from Pontrhydyfen to Cymmer.

They complete the daffodil walk every year in memory of Wendy’s husband and the boys’ father, Cpl Dean John. This year the event is taking place Sunday 30^th April, three days after Dean’s birthday.

On the 15^th of March 2009, Dean was killed after his vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb in Helmand Province. He was 25 years old. His sons Dylan, Harvey and Ethan were just 7, 6 and 2, and are now supported by Scotty’s Little Soldiers, the charity for bereaved military children.

Wendy says: “On the first anniversary of Dean’s death, we wanted to do something to celebrate him. I asked the children what they wanted to do and we settled on the daffodil walk. Dean loved walking, he loved the countryside and we live in Wales, so it just made sense to take on the daffodil walk. It’s a ten mile walk each year, and five miles in we stop at a restaurant where I used to work when I was younger. We have a little rest and couple of drinks for Dean, then we walk the next five miles.”

The walk also holds special significance as, during Dean’s funeral, his friends and family threw daffodils in his honour – the national flower of Wales.

“Dean loved lorries since he used to work with his dad on one, so at his funeral, instead of a hearse, he was carried in a lorry, and being a proud Welshman, we threw daffodils. This is going to be our thirteenth year doing the daffodil walk in his memory and we absolutely love it. Now the boys are older, they always give a speech about their dad and thank everyone for coming. It’s a lovely day and it all started because we wanted Dean’s anniversary to be a celebration, rather than something sad.”

Dean loved the countryside and often took the boys on walks around their local hills and mountains – the very same places they now walk in his memory. Now, however, they’re joined by lots more people.

“Our family and friends join us whenever they can. One year we had about 60 people walk with us and even had support from local running groups and things like that. We normally have 30 or 40 people getting involved every year, which is just amazing.”

“My oldest son is now at uni, so we’re waiting to do it until he’s back. Dean would have just turned 40, so it’s still a special date for us.”

Every year, Wendy and her children choose a cause to support while taking on the daffodil walk. This year, they’ve chosen Scotty’s Little Soldiers, the charity for bereaved military children. Scotty’s has supported Wendy and her children since 2013.

“It’s unbelievable how many children have lost a parent in the Armed Forces, but it’s amazing that Scotty’s are there to support them. It’s wonderful for the children to have something that’s theirs and know that other people are remembering their mum or dad.”

She continues: “We’ve had some brilliant opportunities and gone on some fantastic breaks thanks to Scotty’s. My sons even met Gareth Bale at a football match because of them! The Christmas parties

are so much fun as well. Even though we’re supported by them, we also like to do what we can to support Scotty’s. It’s so close to our hearts and it’s just so special to see all those children smile again.”

Scotty’s founder, Nikki, says: “The daffodil walk is such a lovely way to remember Dean and I’m so grateful to Wendy and her children for choosing to support Scotty’s at the same time. Seeing our families get involved and support the charity that supports them is one of the most rewarding things about being part of Scotty’s, and I always love hearing about the different ways our members like to remember their parent. It’s such a personal thing, yet something every member of Scotty’s can relate to.”

WENDY’S FUNDRAISER: Wendy John is fundraising for Scotty’s Little Soldiers (justgiving.com)