RTYO

On the 19^{th of} March Sam Parkinson, a hugely talented and popular former Royal Marine passed away. Sam had suffered with his Mental health for a number of years.

Sam Parkinson was the most talented person I had ever met and whatever he set out to do he always accomplished. Sam was known as an MMA fighter, BJJ competitor, Tattooist, Barber, Security guard and a Royal Marines Commando. Sam loved Motorbikes and music, but his biggest passion was Art and when he left the Royal Marines he began his journey as a tattoo artist.

Sam’s personality was infectious he could make you laugh with a look and on the off chance that did not work his eccentric dance moves would leave you in stitches.  Despite all his accomplishments Sam could never see himself the way the rest of the world saw him. A hugely talented beautiful individual who was taken way to soon.

RTYO stands for ‘Run To Your Oppo’. The message is clear – If your oppo ever needed you like Sam did you would literally run the distance to be there for them.

During April 2021 I am setting out to run 177 miles, which is the distance from my house to Sam’s. the last 7 miles will be run in Southampton on Saturday May  1^st. Anyone wishing to run their own RTYO here is how you can do it.

• Choose a oppo and calculate the distance from your house to their’s.
• During April Run, Ride or Row the distance depending on how far it is.
• Share the link provided to raise donations for RTYO.

All money raised will be donated to Rock2Recovery in Sam’s name. Rock 2 Recovery is an organisation whose mission is “To save and change the lives of those in our Armed Forces, our veteran community and their families who are affected by stress”

Sam’s story is becoming increasingly more common, and it is so important that men like Sam know that there is help out there for them and where they can reach out to get it. I hope RTYO can help to raise awareness so that more families do not have to go through what Sam’s family is going through right now.

https://royalmarinesshop.com/collections/rock2recovery/products/r2yo-black-t-shirt