Stanley Stories

Jay (Jay The Author) is a street author from England. Jay travels Europe leaving letters of hope and motivation around cities for strangers to find with the aim that they will feel a little less lonely when they read them. We met Jay before sunrise in October and took to the streets of Amsterdam finding poignant places to post the letters. When asking Jay why he started his “Dear Stranger” journey he took us to a time when he lived in Melbourn, Australia. During lockdown, like many, Jay found the isolation incredibly lonely and struggled to find a job as an expat in the pandemic. He thought of what he wanted as motivation to keep looking for the light in this dark time. He decided to write himself a letter as though he was writing to a Stranger and post it on his regular walking rout to find it the next day. This was the first in what is now a 50+ letter series posted across the globe.  Jay has thousands of responses and stories from fellow strangers who have found solace in his words. They respond with personal stories of how his letters have moved them, helped them, given them hope and allowed them to see positivity in difficult times. These letters are only posted with tape. The author understands that these letters are only temporary. Many last for hours or maybe a couple of days, but there are a few that last months. “You cannot see the stars without darkness”Production team: Max Koetzier and Cedric Veldhuis

Daisy Hoppen is the founder of DH-PR, an agency that represents high-profile brands, designers, and creatives in the industry. Daisy is a new Mother and a connoisseur of fashion and design. This was abundantly clear when visiting her stunning new home in London this August. Working in fashion PR, Daisy is constantly on the go, running between London, France, and Copenhagen to meet her clients and, of course, attending and supporting various Fashion Weeks. The high-paced lifestyle is relentless, yet Daisy manages it all, with the support of her husband, and the determination to make it home in time to put her daughter to bed. Spending time in nature is important for the founder, after all, she met her husband while out running in London’s parks. Daisy can often be found in Epping Forest on weekends, holidaying "off-grid" in France in the Summer with her family,or enjoying quality time with friends. Whilst juggling fashion and family Daisy had a few survival tips to share starting with hydration and ending with quality time! Take a look at the full story to hear more from this incredible founder and role model.

Ellie Middleton is a dopamine-dressing author and social media advocate, educating her audience about Autism and ADHD. Misdiagnosed at the age of 14 with depression and anxiety, Ellie has since found her voice on social media, cultivating a community of people eager to learn and relate to her experience. Ellie’s mission from her social media platform is to shift people's perceptions of neurodivergent individuals. It's hard to imagine when looking at the explosion of colour and personality on her grid, that before receiving the correct diagnosis, she felt so isolated. Through two published books, Ellie has shared what she has learned from her journey, offering insights on how we can free ourselves from expectations and embrace being unapologetically ourselves. Her advocacy for the neurodivergent community is sparking vital conversations, opening doors for greater understanding and inclusion. Ellie’s story is a reminder that the journey to self-discovery is deeply personal, but sharing it can create a ripple effect, empowering countless others to do the same. With her work, Ellie continues to inspire both neurodivergent individuals and allies alike, fostering a world where everyone can thrive by being truly themselves.    

Jack and Peter are the cofounders of Crews & Brews; a friendship and club born out of mutual admiration for coffee and running and a curiosity for the communities both these harbours. Crews & Brews is a club that organise and document global running crew culture one run and one coffee at a time.   On a warm afternoon in June, we met with the founders to learn about Crews & Brews for ourselves as well as the extensive organising and planning that goes into each event. It was clear to see the way they interacted with one another and the balance this partnership has, goes together like...well, coffee and running. At each run, Peter takes on the organisation and logistics, and Jack the creative and execution of the project.   During lockdown back in 2021, Peter took to running to spend time with others outside and to engage in a safe and social way over a cup of takeaway coffee. From there the concept and community has grown.   It’s clear to see run clubs have been on the rise in the wellness sphere in recent months. It was interesting to be a fly on the wall of the planning of this Copenhagen event. On day 1 we walked the rout with the boys, considering each turn and bridge and how they would manoeuvre with a large group of people with ease and safety at the fore. On day 2, we met the community, 30 people turned up to run the scenic waterside rout through the Scandinavian city. Once the 5km run was done, we met at the wonderfully minimalistic Prolog Cafe and spectated as strangers became friends, and friends caught up over coffee.   The spontaneous and familiar essence that Crews & Brews created in such a short space of time that June day was the definition of community. What comes of the mission and documenting each run, is something that more people should follow. Join the run when they come to your city, be a part of this Crew, you really won’t want to miss it.  

 Savannah Sachdev is a London-based, sport and running influencer. As a woman on social media in 2024 there are naturally some questions: How much do I share of myself? How unfiltered can I be? How do I inspire? How can I remain authentic? On a wet day in February, on Hampstead Heath, we met Savannah, a woman who is profoundly and positively, unapologetically her.     For Savannah this was day 967 of running every day, for us we got to talk to someone who we believe is the personification of the Stanley values; positivity, transparency, determination, and community.  Running to get out of her head and into her body, Savannah continued to tell us that what she really aims to show her community is that “movement can just be a little bit of fun, it does not have to be that serious”. If you follow Savannah on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube you will know that the balance can sometimes consist of running 15km in the morning, finishing with a croissant in hand at a perfectly picturesque cafe somewhere around London. Consistency is different for everyone; you just need to show up and then keep showing up, however you can.    Savannah spoke to us about the community she is building whilst acknowledging that social media can be a scary place, especially knowing that what you are sharing has an impact. Regardless of the nearly 200,000 followers she has, she is committed to sharing content that talks about what our bodies can do instead of what our bodies look like whilst doing it.    “As women, we sometimes feel a need to act a particular role. I do not want to do that, and things seem to be okay. If we take the paths less trodden with confidence, things will...hopefully...be okay”   Savannah’s Indian heritage, naturally, plays a key role in her life and therefore the content shared with the world. Sometimes seeking permission to post her content, Savannah still hopes to bring an interesting perspective and aims to take the fear out of doing some of the things other women and women in her culture would traditionally not do.    There are so many important conversations happening in 2024 for Women, Savannah mentions key topics such as solo travel, sex, finances, diversity and representation. Conversations that, in the not-so-distant past, were considered taboo. “There is more diversity, not as much as we would like, but it is a start. The existence of me on social media proves that”.     Savannah reminisced with us about the goals she set for herself, and the achievements made in 2023. It’s safe to say that 2024 will be full of even more goals, achievements and an ever-increasing determination to reach each milestone (Figuratively and metaphorically). Maybe now, with all this said, you will consider joining Savannah for tomorrow's run.   

Just South of Aberdeen, Scotland, Charlie, Caroline and their team at Glen Dye has created a haven, an oasis away from the hustle and bustle, nestled in nature. It is a place where you can forage, wild swim or take bushcraft classes. It is somewhere you can escape the ordinary in an extraordinary place. The cabins are crafted and kitted out with the best products to withstand extreme weather conditions. It is a cosy and curious place to stay and explore Scottish nature and craft. As Charlie puts it, authenticity and "...integrity is what defines our future because it will all be here forever." So, just like Stanley, Charlie and Caroline have #Builtforlife ! Click here to see the other Stanley Stories.

No lake or river is too remote. No water is too icy. It looks like wild swimming might be here to stay after enjoying a boom in popularity over the last year or two. Its main proponents tout benefits from reduced anxiety to improved cardiovascular health, but for many it's just a good excuse to get outdoors and enjoy the inarguably revitalising properties of an icy dip. One group that seems to completely embody the spirit behind the sport’s surge in interest is SOuP (Sheffield Outdoor Plungers). Started by Owen Hayman a few years ago as a means to make friends after moving to Sheffield from Swansee, the SOuP Facebook group now boasts over 12,000 members who regularly meet up, swap the best swimming spots, and have a post-swim chat over cake and a well-earned mug of hot tea. In this short film, we catch up with Owen and some of the members of SOuP to find out about the group and why it’s so important to them.

“Ever since I was a little kid, I have shared a great passion for nature. Something makes me feel alive when I’m standing on top of a mountain or swimming through the sea, close to nature’s precarious elements and changing circumstances”. Step aboard The Moondance and join the Sailing Taxi crew as they venture through the Arctic Circle. By creating sail and ski expeditions for travellers, the team offer once-in-a-lifetime trips for those that dream of exploring stunning sceneries and going on true adventures to the great outdoors. When sailing to off-the-grid locations, the Sailing Taxi crew use their unique skills and passions to connect with nature and reach beautiful landscapes that are inaccessible to many. Their expertise allows them to plan unique routes and reach hidden gems, with backdrops that most can only dream of. Watch this short film to find out more about the epic adventures of Sailing Taxi.

“People in general are happier when they live in the mountains or along the ocean, and I really think it’s because it gives you a feeling of space, and space gives you a feeling of possibility.” The story of The Nomads Family is truly special. With a wish to live freely and to chase the best snow around, Val & Tim decided to buy an American school bus, turn it into a house on wheels and travel around Europe. Soon, their family grew and priorities changed – but the adventure continues. Their desire to live a fulfilled life, based in nature and a beautiful landscape, remained and continues to inspire. Watch this short film to find out more about Val & Tim’s story and life as The Nomads Family.

“I loved how food brought people together and brought people round the table. It just grew into a passion!” Based in the Lake District, Harrison Ward aka Fell Foodie is an outdoor cook, mental health advocate and all-round lover of the hills. Cooking outdoors, bringing people together and sharing recipes has helped Harrison to boost both his physical and mental health. His ability to create delicious meals that can be pulled together halfway up a mountain caught the attention of many, inspiring him to share his story and since then he has not looked back. Harrison has encouraged many other nature lovers to upgrade their campaign cuisine. Watch this short film to find out more about Harrison Ward’s story and his life as the Fell Foodie. Click here to see the other Stanley Stories.

“I think you have to be a dreamer because you have to visualise the life you want.”Having moved away from her family’s farm when she was 12, Alison O’Neil always dreamed of returning to a life in the hills. 22 years ago, she finally managed to start a sheep farm of her own. Despite all the hardships of her seemingly idyllic lifestyle - the long winters, the early starts - she still feels her happiest as a shepherdess in the heart of the British countryside. Watch this short film to find out more about Alison’s life as a shepherdess. Click here to see the other Stanley Stories.

Three years ago Bas Rotgans decided to leave his corporate career behind to become a bike mechanic. Ever since, his passion for cycling kept growing and today he has been part of bike adventures and races across the whole world. He believes cycling can be part of the solution to the environmental crisis. Click here to see the other Stanley Stories.