Parents of Andover soldier who took his own life raise awareness
Bradley Parks had been due to leave the Army
The parents of a soldier based near Andover who took his own life have raised thousand of pounds to draw attention to the importance of mental health.
Bradley Parks served at 26 Engineer regiment based at Tidworth.
His parents John and Rachel have raised more than £3000 for the armed services charity SSAFA.
Bradley’s parents hope to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and help others who are suffering by supporting and donating to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Bradley served in 26 Engineer Regiment, part of the Royal Engineers, based in Tidworth and was diagnosed with bipolar in April 2019, just three months before he took his life.
Bradley was in the process of leaving the Army after four years’ service; he would have been discharged in February 2020.
Rachel Parks said: “After we got over initial first anniversary, we decided we needed to have a focus. We want to raise awareness about mental health and help others.”
“We hope to continue doing what we can for SSAFA in memory of Bradley. We hope we are doing him proud. He has left a big hole in our hearts and family life, but we will make sure he lives on within us. He will never be forgotten we love and remember him always.”
Bradley’s parents raised £900 for SSAFA at their son’s funeral. Between August 2020 and July this year they ran monthly activities to raise money which included raffles, online fundraisers and bake sales, collecting an amazing £3,000.
SSAFA has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885; supporting serving personnel (including reservists,) veterans and their families: ssafa.org.uk