Emerson's Family - Charlotte and Vali

Hi everyone,

My name is Mark Bolton - Emerson is my best friend of 22 years. We met when we were 9, back in 2003, when I moved a few houses down from him on the same street. His address was 32, mine was 43.

My life brightened immediately, as I tried to keep up with an energy that I had never encountered before. Immediately magnetized to his joy for life, desire to always take on new challenges, picking up new sports/activities (that I was never physically coordinated enough to match him at) - and, not least, his ability to make people feel truly seen and valued. He listened and loved with the same intensity as he did everything else.

His passion for health and fitness started very young, but when he realized he could educate and walk (or run) with people through their own journies, a fire was truly lit. He dedicated his life to helping others, making Cambridge a more healthy and inclusive place, making fitness more approachable, and challenging others to never give up on themselves.

To show up day-in and day-out, knowing some days would be harder than others; a truly rare ability to motivate and inspire, and make you believe in your own abilities.

When he met his wife, Charlotte, I knew he'd finally found his match - and then some! Someone who challenged him in every aspect of life, and ways he'd never thought of. Their partnership is unique, powerful, and dynamic, and allowed them to touch more lives than imaginable. Charlotte and Emerson have poured so many years and so much energy into building others up, and supporting their family and community together.

In 2023, when he became a father to their daughter, Vali Rae, his love radiated even further. A new energy & passion was born as well.

Emerson passed away on August 7th, 2025 - in a moment all of us are still trying to make sense of. He would have been 31 this October.

While we all work on following Emerson's timeless advice - to push yourself further every single day - we want to rally around his incredible family.

And show them the support they have never hesitated to give all of us.

His partner & love, Charlotte, their daughter, Vali (turning 2 on Aug. 27th), and their new baby (due in 2026).

There will be many costs - expected and unexpected - and these funds raised will be used to provide for their children, welcoming the new baby into the world & covering expenses while their business, Proactive Training & Nutrition continues.

Please consider a donation - of any amount - and leaving a note with what is on your heart and mind. And please share this page.

Your love & support is so valued and appreciated during this time.

Emerson's love and energy will continue pushing us forward, and making us stronger - together - for all our lives.

Thank you,

Mark & Izabel Bolton