Wendy & Bary

A walk for hope leads to love. 

Bary Neal lost his son Matt Neal to suicide in 2016 and he vowed to help others in Matt’s situation.  

Bary heard about HopeWalk and was inspired by some of the walks happening in other parts of New Zealand that he set out to organise one in the Marlborough region himself. 

Through the grapevine Bary was connected to Wendy (née Giddy, now Neal) who had lost her husband to suicide;  as a gesture of support to Wendy, Bary paid for a meal for her and her friend.  As a way of thanking him, Wendy offered to help Bary organise the 2017 HopeWalk in the Marlborough region.  

When they did finally meet in person they found they had another unusual bond – they had both chosen the same song for their partner and son’s funeral. They also shared many interests and hobbies which led to spending lots of time together, and 12-months later they were married. 

Check out Bary & Wendy’s beautiful love story, featured on Stuff.co.nz