WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO
ABOUT US
Lewis Leap provides early support for families who experience traumatic loss.
In partnership with Cruse Scotland—the nation's expert in bereavement counselling, listening services, information, advice, and training—the Lewis Leap Sudden and Traumatic Bereavement Support Service expands Cruse Scotland’s offering to include vital early-stage support for family members, both collectively and individually.
Lewis Leap was established in 2019 to honour the life and spirit of our son, Lewis Johnson. Lewis was one of the kindest, most generous, and happiest children we knew (though we may be biased). He loved life—his big smile brightened every room. His passions included sport and music, and he deeply cherished his friends and family. He was highly competitive in everything he did, while also standing firmly for fair play and care for others.
Tragically, Lewis was only 13 years old when he died suddenly during a family holiday. The impact on our family and friends was devastating. We struggled to comprehend what had happened and why it had happened to us.
We soon realised we couldn’t face the trauma alone. But to our shock, we found that most bereavement support wasn’t available during the first six months following loss. Time and again, we were 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 stepped in and arranged for an incredible counsellor from Dundee to visit us within the week. We were extremely fortunate to receive that support—but it also made us realise just how hard it is to access the right help at the moment it's needed most.
OUR VISION
Our vision for Lewis Leap is simple but urgent:
To offer early-stage support to families who have suddenly and traumatically lost a parent, child, or sibling.
In August 2025, this vision becomes a reality through our formal partnership with Cruse Scotland. The newly expanded service will offer early, family-focused support—both collective and individual—to help navigate the first painful stages of grief.
This service has been developed by reviewing the latest research, and—more importantly—by listening to people with lived experience. Their voices have shaped a new model of care rooted in real-world need and understanding.
This service will be named after Lewis Johnson, whose kindness, courage, and joy touched so many around him.
LAUNCH DATE
The Lewis Leap Sudden and Traumatic Bereavement Support Service will officially launch on
Sunday 24th August 2025, at the Lewis Leap Dog Show.
We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who made this possible—especially Jane Cox, Fiona Arnott-Barron, and all the amazing Lewis Leap volunteers and supporters.
We truly could not have done this without you.
WHY "LEWIS LEAP"?
Soon after Lewis passed away, a dear family friend wrote a poem in his memory.
The final line of that poem gave us the name for our charity:
The Lewis Leap.
These beautiful words capture who Lewis was, and what he believed in:
LEWIS
Poem in memory of Lewis Johnson
Lewis, you lighten each day.
Who is there can say you didn't bring
rays of sunshine into their heart?
You shot into this world—a dart of love.
Your golden colour entranced everyone from the beginning.
How apt it stayed your favourite.
You knotted a yellow ribbon around our hearts,
which can never unravel.
Your family fell in love at first glance.
But soon, you shafted each one you met,
with delight and brightness.
You were good to be with.
Your energy knew no bounds.
You were fearless.
You went the second mile in care and cheerfulness.
You corrected wrongs,
fought for the underdog,
and were known for honesty and fairness.
You were full of pranks and mischief—
but your cheeky smile always won forgiveness.
And what a sportsman!
You tackled every game under the sun
with skill and accomplishment.
You were the envy of us all.
Lewis, you challenged us to live the game of life full on—
to strive hard, but not forget the other,
to keep the team in mind,
to honour fair play.
We’ll really try to do our best… keep trying.
But then we’ll add that vital extra push—
THE LEWIS LEAP.