Dream to Disaster - Retirement Adventure Film

[@iansimpson936]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I had a stroke 3 years ago. Our closest friends are recovering from cancer. My wife retires in 46 days. We have a campervan. We are in our fifties. We know the answer like you both x

[@lifebeyondbricks]

There isn’t enough space to put all the words or emotions so I’ll leave these ❤❤❤

[@micksparrow8214]

@@lifebeyondbricks what a great response, that’s what I should have said and I think it sums up what everyone else is saying.

[@maffosweetyify]

This is the best van life video on KZbin fair play to you both 👏👏so glad Mandy’s on the mend x

[@ianbasson8367]

What an epic show. So nice to see your travels again. So much has changed during this time. I’ve been watching since 2019 and went back to your earlier vids to catch up. Seeing Cooper enjoying his travels again was so nice. He was such a character. This year has been a tough year for you Mandy and also for you John keeping strong and supporting Mandy through these last few months. Thanks so much for sharing your lives with us.

[@Gillby47]

My goodness,how young you were and how lovely to see Coop,still much missed.

[@Captainslog2024]

Wow! That has got to be the best van life film ever made. Authentic and full of real emotion. Thank you for letting me experience your journey with you. The love you have for each other is beautiful. You had me laughing out loud and blubbering too. God bless Coops and God bless you both. I wish you both good happiness and health for the future. Thanks again , you’re both awesome and hope we get to meet you on our travels as full timers too. Currently in Morocco 👍❤️❤️❤️

[@LeisureBit]

This has been the best video I’ve watched in a long time - thank you for sharing - I found it inspirational (the reasons you did it and at a really pertinent time for me) - thank you - It was nice to see some bits in the video we remembered from watching over the past 4 years. All the very best to you both, David & Rachel ❤️

[@raykillick]

And now go and enjoy many many more years of adventures . Lovely video.

[@campervanchris4171]

Fantastic video as per 🤦‍♂️🤣 been some tough times for you guys 😢BUT back to creating more memories ❤️🫂

[@colinbourne8345]

You brought a grown man to tears... God bless you both and coops is looking down.. Gone but never forgotten, Best video yet, respect to you both and many years of laughter and dreams to come!

[@rogertemple7193]

Take care of yourselves and do what you have to do especially with your health and just enjoy your life take care and God Bless You both thank you John and Mandy.☕🕊️🚐🇬🇧

[@danielsibley3345]

I don’t often comment on videos but that was an extremely moving and brilliant film. I am pretty choked up at its conclusion . I so admire your bravery in taking the choices you did and going for it. You give us all hope for a better life. Sending my love to Mandy and wishing her a speedy recovery. RIP Coop. You really were an amazing little doggie. I will hug my boy extra tight tonight.

[@mikeembe1261]

Been with you and all the ups & downs since just before you shut the Front door, with fingers crossed, I'll be with you and your travels for a good while yet. Many thanks for the vid and ❤ to you both.

[@glennismossey6976]

Absolutely incredible! Words fail me. 💕🇨🇦🇬🇧

[@jrtfan5463]

Amazing video. Tears seeing Cooper, but what a wonderful life he had.

[@ShelleyWall-k1z]

What an incredible video. Emotional and touching summary of the lives of people taking a different path x

[@glennainsworth9442]

what a great video..something you can watch time and again..great mems..

[@Terry-zs4ir]

Lovely video thanks for sharing.

[@debbierobinson9900]

Beautiful, just beautiful. Thank you x

[@amandamundy3764]

What a video, there’s not many that keep peoples attention for longer than 20 minutes, this was the exception! A rollercoaster of emotions, sending lots of love ❤️

[@StephenandSusan6557]

John and Mandy, we love this movie about your lives, it must have taken so much work to bring it all together. So much love, for each other, Cooper and within your vanlife community. That was the overall feeling.

[@juliahutchinson4542]

Omg loved every minute of this, it was just sooooooo good! I've laughed and cried (esp seeing Coops again 😢) .... such memories. I've followed you guys since the beginning when I first got my van, so it was epic to relive it all again. Following you guys gave me inspiration and the courage to realise my campervan (and Mirider!) dream. Thanks for this special vlog, you put so much into it. You guys are adorable, I so hope I get to meet you both one day. Well done for a Basically Kinda EPIC vlog !👏👏👏👏❤❤❤❤

[@outlander8890]

Wow!! Thank you John and Mandy. Love you both

[@Sid-and-Nancy]

❤😊😮😢❤ Loved watching this, so many great memories. Thought blimey, that's long but it went in the blink of an eye.

[@raymondstamp7066]

Thank you for sharing this video with us all. 😊❤

[@CaravanningwiththeCoxs]

Really enjoyed watching that you forget how long you watch someone until they bring out a video like this. Watching you in the lockdown carpark seems like yesterday but was over 4 years ago. What a whirlwind journey. Hope Mandy is starting to feel better ~ Oliver

[@jamieb158]

Loved seeing cooper, made my heart smile, love you guys ❤

[@EddieHulme]

An amazing documentary . Watched it end to end . Thoroughly enjoyed it .

[@loraineswinburne7153]

Basically kind of epic….beautiful heart warming and at time heart breaking watch. Thanks John and Mandy xxxx

[@livvylatham9584]

What an amazing summary of the last 5 years for you both. Thank you for putting this together. Well done! Sending lots of healing energy Mandy's way. RIP Cooper. ❣

[@Talbot_travels]

Gosh. I’m only 20 mins in and already so many emotions. We didn’t film leaving our house and getting rid of everything and I’m now wishing we did, however all your emotions and feelings are exactly the same so we can just watch this! Can’t wait to watch the rest of it. Thank you for being so open and sharing your lives with us ❤

[@SusanButler-t8c]

What a beautiful video. Thank you both so much x

[@micksparrow8214]

What a brilliant video. Truly amazing real life story being open and honest about how you lived your life since moving into van life permanently. How you and Mandy shared your experiences with us all is truly amazing and inspiring.

[@dgbate709]

What a great log of an epic life journey! I hope you guys continue to share. Thank you.

[@julesoliver6538]

So lovely watching this. Very emotional aswell. You definitely made the right choice. Long may your vlogs continue ❤

[@lynda_63]

Amazing video what a journey thank you John, Mandy and Cooper❤️xx

[@globebusmotorhomeadventure8112]

What a life of adventures cooper had no doubt he is surely missed by you both🐶❤️ We lost both our spaniels this year 💔 How life can change in a split second for you both hope all is well now Mandy and that you have made a full recovery take care 👍

[@lindao1327]

Sad, happy, lots of emotions, you guys are wonderful! I’ve loved watching again. Bittersweet seeing Coop...😢

[@PaulKohler-u7c]

What a video great to recap and watch through all your highs and lows. Fantastic couple. We watched this and are at our stage in life getting are ducks in a row planning for retirement. Makes us thinks to do our dreams a lot sooner as you never know what’s around the corner.

[@emyrbrown]

♥Thanks both for sharing your rollercoaster journey and epic memories with us! Thanks for being open, honest, and true to yourselves! Also thank you for being so inspiring with this feature length vlog! You are spot on this is our only chance and we need to live it without regrets! We feel privileged to have followed your journey ... long may it continue ... now go and enjoy many many more years of adventures, so that we can also enjoy many more years of your vlogs. Basically kind of epic... Thank you! Diolch!❤Emyr & Karen

[@sallydacre438]

That was brilliant ❤ . Made me cry and laugh again. Aw gorgeous Cooper ❤ Now onwards and upwards more adventures but please no more sickness. Wishing you so much happiness for the future. Xx

[@rosesevers5181]

Wow.. what an adventure. Really enjoyed watching it… beautiful Cooper 💞

[@davidsiddall3224]

Absolutely loved this thank you for putting this video out. Have followed you for quite a few years, yes we are now pensioners and enjoying our travels in our camper Bee and realise it will end sooner or later. Your video’s gave us the kick up the arse to enjoy or retirement but should have done it sooner. Wishing you and Mandy a super bright future, thanks guys. X

[@juliahutchinson4542]

You guys absolutely did this at the right time. Another factor apart from failing health and energy that people don't think about and that I am now just experiencing is, once you hit late 50s/60s and beyond, it's all about looking after ageing parents and grandchildren. When that window presents itself .... GRAB IT !!

[@jillchew-tetlaw3388]

This was epic. I only started watching your videos last year so it was good to get your back story. Cooper was just lovely. As a massive dog lover (we have two Labradors) it brought a tear to my eye when he died. Onwards and upwards I wish you health, happiness and the best of everything.

[@thevanlydens]

HI Both, this was one of the best videos on KZbin. We can relate to some extent regarding packing up work and travelling. Glad Mandy is on the mend. Fantastic video.

[@karenlesley8969]

Wow.. Absolutely brilliant.. Loved it immensely.. Take care and enjoy everything.. 😊❤

[@suzannewatson7566]

What a roller coaster of a journey you’ve been on ❤ fantastic flog ❤️

[@lindaeastment4542]

Hi Mandy Hi John, Thank you both so much for sharing your really wonderful adventure story you both have been through the mill but both bounced back & kicked it in the butt you are one strong loving couple so keep doing what you are doing the world is your oyster & the oyster is your heart 💝 sending you both hugs Lin 💝🙂👍🦋

[@jackiestokes6502]

I’ve been following you guys since buying our first ever van in 2019 and have enjoyed all your adventures.. my heart goes out to you both, you’ve had highs and lows but have always taken us along, for me I’m truly grateful ❤❤ may there be many adventures ahead. Thank you John and Mandy ❤❤❤

[@margaretboyle4701]

ENJOYED EVERY SECOND OF IT.

[@helen9528]

Glad you made this........always forever❤❤❤❤❤

[@rogerspeck9929]

Thank you for taking us on your journey, we have followed you through all of this and can only wish you both the best of health and happiness, keep em coming we will be watching. 👏👍 xx

[@angelinajalbert3420]

I don't usually comment on vids but just had to for this one. I've watched since 2018 and this recap was just perfect! I think I would even watch it a second time. You two are good humans and a great example to those having problems. You figured it out and love prevailed!! ❤ just epic!!

[@josnihoul]

Marvellous testimony of love for each other and for the world. Thank you both !

[@Hoggs-n-dogs]

Thank you. This is a wonderful video and so well made. Lovely to see little Cooper too. Sending love to you both. Travel safe, live life and enjoy every day. Xxx

[@patgradwell2680]

What a love for life you both have. Thanks for the inspiration 🚐❤

[@lesleypyke8554]

Brilliant ....❤ ... i am privileged to have followed the journey ... long may it continue ... big love to you both ❤❤❤❤

[@Rob.1340]

Brilliant film. Wishing you both all the very best for your futures. 👍🚐🐾🚐🐾😎❤️

[@sarahholden3139]

What a lovely vlog all the ups and downs which you’ve aloud us to be part of ❤

[@melaniejourneaux3328]

Fantastic journeys thanks for sharing it . I throughly enjoyed it ❤xx

[@andreaPat70]

Wow thank you such a beautiful video. Stunning scenery and an honest reflection on your lives and relationship. As a relatively new subscriber it was great to see how it all began and of course to see the gorgeous Cooper. As someone who lost my beloved Labrador in late 2019 then going through cancer surgery and treatment throughout 2020 and all the after effects and health issues since it was touching to see how you both have dealt with the last few years. Life really is too short and you definitely made the right decision. Sending love and wishing you both many years of health and happiness.

[@BellasBigAdventures]

Epic. So fabulous to see the gorgeous Coop again Sx

[@johnfitzpatrick8094]

Stunning video...may there be parts 2,3,4 ..etc...keep living your dreams...

[@sianphillips3572]

Thankyou soo much. I do follow you all the time

[@steveharding9365]

Dearest John and Mandy We are a couple in our 80,s and have followed your adventures and relationships , both ups and down. To us you are an inspiration, we have lost the confidence to travel since lockdown- but to see you overcome all that you both have had to deal with gives us hope. We love you both , which is an overused statement to make, however maybe one day we will meet and have a beer or two. Believe me we have walked in your shoes, some we lost some we overcame. Please please be strong , Cooper is watching. God bless you both.

[@toeinthewater28]

What an editing marathon that must have been. Thank you! Brave, honest, joyful, lovely Coops - the highs and lows and the 'before-I-followed-you' fill-ins. All the best, Laura x

[@dianne9146]

Thank you! That was an awesome trip down memory lane, evoking laughter, joy and a few tears. The courage you have both shown throughout the testing times is inspiring. I wish you safe journeys, love, laughter and good health for the future x

[@adamsher86]

Hi John & Mandy, following on from my message ⬇️. On Friday about 3pm my wife and I had a nice surprise and spotted you both driving past you on the M62 heading back towards Manchester from a break in Scarborough!

[@SSr1030]

Love your video thank you so much for sharing with us🤗🌻🤗

[@stephaniecowley6503]

Really enjoyed watching this vlog, it was like a good book i couldn't put down. It must of taken ages to put it all together. It really touched me to. Thankyou 😊. Love to you both ❤ xx

[@annajeram9251]

What an epic video! So good to look back at your highs and lows…we’ve been following you since you sold your house! 😊

[@sarahcowlin4203]

Amazing video. I remember first seeing you guys on here and watched all your back vlogs till I caught up. Lovely seeing cooper again. Obviously still have been following your other channels but what a look back this video is. Thankyou for sharing your lives with us . The sad and the good xxx

[@motorhomingold-timers-onto3967]

What a wonderful resume of all your epic adventures! I have followed your channel since you sold your house and viewed every video since . always impressed by the quality of your films and your candor about life. Wonderful editing on this documentary. It must have taken for ever to do but it is appreciated and i've enjoyed sharing all those memories . I cried when Cooper died for he was such a character and as we have a little westie who goes everywhere with us I know the the joys and emotions of having a dog. I wish you all the very best in your future travels and hope Mandy is back to full health .

[@judithtodd5927]

Wow what a fantastic vlog, so many memories. Go enjoy yourselves ❤

[@lyndamiller2623]

Cooper had the waggiest tail ❤…fantastic video, must have been so much work, but great to see xx

[@Scud_and_thesTig]

Epic viewing. Well done 👌💙❤️

[@bognor1965]

Great video we really enjoyed it , 😊

[@tedwensing1842]

Best video you have done, miss cooper, thank you for your memories.

[@victoriabroom2246]

Absolutely awesome 😊

[@triotravellers8280]

2 words , beautiful life ❤❤❤❤❤

[@simonking559]

Brilliant and brave ❤

[@louisemason8245]

A lovely video, thank you for sharing.

[@startaylor123]

OMG... what an epic vlog 😱👊🥰🥰🥰

[@Me_myself_and_skye_]

Brilliant vlog guys! I remember when you sold the house! Many happy memory’s 😊

[@Rich-n-Cooper]

Fabulous to see your journey and sound advice to embrace your dreams, but heartwarming to see Coop living his best life with you ❤❤❤ keep safe and see you soon Rich and Coop x

[@Happyinmyautotrail]

I had to say this THANK YOU!! Myself and my husband are at the stage you were then when you blew your life up and set off on a new path. My husband has just given up a well paid career and I am currently working my notice. Our home of over 20 years is sold and waiting for completion and we are at 50 and 52 getting out of the rat race. Financially it’s lunacy as we are lucky enough to be in secure employment but it’s draining our souls every day. We aren’t doing full time van life like you but we have bought a much smaller house in Northern Scotland away from everyone we love as a base. We will travel probably 1/2- 3/4 of the year now in our motorhome but have a base to call home. The start of your vlog in particular hit me hard as that is exactly where we are now! Realising life is short, like you all 4 parents of ours didn’t live to see or get to enjoy old age. We know we have to seize the day. Twitchy bum time of course as we are almost there but know we are doing the right thing. Thank you for putting that vlog out at just the right time xx

[@SharonSandefur]

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful video. I loved watching every minute of it. I hope to see many more of your travels. ❤️❤️❤️

[@michaellynch8867]

Fantastic story

[@NicW76]

Lovely to see your journey over the years. Here's to many more adventures. 🍻 And aww Cooper. 💔 I'm so acutely aware that our furry friends are only in our lives for such a short time. I bet Cooper absolutely loved his life of adventure with you both. Living his best life.

[@milesr1000]

Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! I enjoyed every minute of this video and didn't want it to end. I have followed you for a few years now and can't wait to see what comes next.

[@louisesymonds9963]

Thank you for the documentary. You’re a wonderfully brave and strong couple. I’m about to do this next year, albeit on a smaller scale with my campervan, Flora. Working until Jan ‘25. Keeping the house so it will be part time travels. Life is just so short and precious. It’s very sad our dog Bella didn’t make it to come too. All the best to you both. X

[@kerrynuttall4147]

Loved watching this took me back to all the lovely Sundays I enjoyed watching your adventures, thank you to you both

[@janewicks9740]

Awesome video guys, thank you❤🐾🐾

[@Tweekysuturn]

John & Mandy , thank you so much with a open ❤ that you have shared your experience. I know look at life so differently. Bless you

[@gina50gina]

Thank you so much for making this documentary of the past 8 years. I am so moved by your bravery in all aspects of your life. Cooper was a little love bundle and so darn cute. I admire you both greatly. ❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🤍 Suzane

[@ChrisJackson-h3k]

What a beautiful video of an amazing couple - thank you so much for sharing x

[@SVImpavidus]

We are in Tunisia. Our summer sailing season is over and we are about to fly to the UK where we have a camper van that we have only spent one night in. It needs work. We have been watching you a long while and this video has re-invigorated us to get back and get on the road ASAP. Thank you for telling your story. The highs and the lows and inspiring us, and others to get out and do something while we can. Thank You. As we always say to our subscribers, Sail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid

[@seanoneill2561]

Hey you both EPIC VIDEO ! nikki and both really enjoyed watching this video and BOTH agree, probably the best video we have see this year of not longer , well done to you overcoming the bad times as well as enjoying the great times, we both have loved watching your videos and will continue. Ps perfect ending caption x Rip Cooper xx

[@Tinahill-f2f]

What a fantastic video x