About Us

Why Lewis Leap began

In memory of Lewis Johnson

We established Lewis Leap in 2019 to honour the life and spirit of our son, Lewis Johnson. Kind and generous, Lewis loved sport and music and treasured his friends and family. His big smile brightened every room. His fiercely competitive spirit was matched by a strong belief in fair play and care for others. He brought joy to all who knew him.

Tragically, Lewis was only 13 years old when he died suddenly during a family holiday. Our family and friends were devastated, struggling to comprehend what had happened.

When we sought help, we found that all of the bereavement support we approached was not available during the first six months after a death. We knew we could not face the trauma alone, yet we were repeatedly told:

“You must process the grief first before we can help you.”

But in those early moments, all we wanted was to survive the next second, minute, or hour—six months felt like an eternity.

Thankfully, a close family friend arranged for a counsellor from Dundee to visit us within the week. We were fortunate to receive that support and wanted other families to have access to help without the same struggle.

Our vision

No family should have to face those first days alone

Lewis Leap & Cruse Scotland

Turning our vision into early support

In August 2025, our partnership with Cruse Scotland, which provides bereavement counselling across Scotland, brought the Lewis Leap Sudden and Traumatic Bereavement Support Service into being, offering group and individual support in the early stages of grief.

The service was shaped by the latest research and the experiences of bereaved people, grounding its approach in real needs and understanding.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Jane Cox, Fiona Arnott-Barron, Cruse Scotland and all our volunteers and supporters for making this possible.

Working together so that people facing sudden and traumatic loss can access appropriate support. Read more about the specialist service.

How to access support

You can contact Cruse Scotland

Access the Lewis Leap Sudden and Traumatic Bereavement Support Service through Cruse Scotland’s contact routes below. Cruse Scotland also offers bereavement support regardless of how long ago the death occurred or your relationship to the person who died.

Service opening hours can change. Please check Cruse Scotland’s website for the latest information.

A message from our partner

Support shaped by lived experience

“We are delighted to launch this vital service after three years of hard work and collaboration with Lewis Leap. Having members of the Johnson family and many other bereaved people help us shape this support service, has been extremely valuable in ensuring it will provide the most appropriate support at the right time.

For those requiring support with their grief after such a sudden loss, Cruse Scotland is here, and I would like to thank the Johnson family sincerely for their support in making it possible”

How you can help

Your donation can make a difference

Your donation to the Lewis Leap Sudden and Traumatic Bereavement Support Service helps provide vital support to bereaved children, young people and adults.

Donation examples illustrate the difference your gift could make. All donation buttons lead to Lewis Leap’s JustGiving page.