My Story: From Homelessness to Hope.
Mikko’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of human kindness. Six years ago, addiction led him into homelessness. Living in London, a place that was supposed to be a dream but turned into a nightmare, he found himself caught in a daily struggle for survival. Each morning, he woke with the same questions haunting him: “Where am I going to sleep tonight?” and “Where will I get my next dose of alcohol?”
Despite the chaos, Mikko was lucky enough to find a place to sleep each night, but the relentless uncertainty was overwhelming. It wasn’t until a childhood friend intervened—inviting him into her home and offering the lifeline he desperately needed—that Mikko saw a way out. That act of kindness gave him the strength to return to Finland and begin the slow, painful process of rebuilding his life.
Through it all, Mikko wasn’t entirely alone. His loyal dachshund played a remarkable role in his recovery. As a non-verbal companion, the dog provided constant support, quietly observing and ensuring everything was okay. The dachshund’s presence became an anchor, offering stability and solace during even the darkest times.
Now, Mikko is paying it forward. With his trusted companion by his side, he’s traveling across Europe to share the untold stories of those still living on the margins. Through Horizons of Hope, Mikko aims to amplify their voices, foster understanding, and bring tangible support to communities that need it most.
Together, we can bring hope to others in need.
How It All Began
For Mikko, the light of hope came in flickers—small moments that broke through the darkness. One of those moments came during a night of wandering in London, when he found himself sitting, drunk and lost, at the Palladium. On stage, Art Garfunkel’s voice soared through the hall, performing “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The lyrics, full of promise and solace, struck a chord deep within Mikko’s heart. He sat there, staring at the stage, and a dream took root: “One day, I will be on that stage.”
At the time, it was a fleeting thought, a glimmer of something larger than himself. Life hadn’t yet given him the tools to believe it could be real. But the dream stayed, buried beneath years of struggle and survival, waiting for its moment to shine.
And then, in January 2023, that dream became reality. After years of rebuilding, fighting his way back, Mikko stepped onto the stage of Britain’s Got Talent. Standing there he wasn’t just performing—he was living proof that no dream is too distant to reach.
That performance wasn’t just about achieving a dream; it was a testament to the strength of hope and the resilience of the human spirit. Today, through Horizons of Hope, Mikko is paying that forward, offering others the same chance to find their own light, their own bridge, and their own hope.
Because every story deserves to be heard.
Our Mission and Goals
At Horizons of Hope, our mission is to bring light to the often-overlooked stories of resilience and strength, while providing support to those who need it most. Here’s how we aim to make a difference:
Amplify Unheard Voices:
- We travel across Europe, meeting marginalized individuals and communities, giving them the platform to share their stories with the world.
- We travel across Europe, meeting marginalized individuals and communities, giving them the platform to share their stories with the world.
Share Impactful Stories:
- Through social media and a documentary we highlight the struggles and triumphs of those living on the edges of society. These stories foster understanding and inspire empathy.
- Through social media and a documentary we highlight the struggles and triumphs of those living on the edges of society. These stories foster understanding and inspire empathy.
Provide Tangible Support:
- We distribute survival kits, including hygiene supplies, clothing, and food, directly to those in need, offering immediate relief and hope.
Our vision is to create a ripple effect of kindness and connection, reminding the world that every story matters and every person deserves to be heard. Together, we can build a bridge of hope that spans across communities and borders.
