Parents of Wiltshire soldier raise awareness of mental health after son took his own life
Bradley Parks seved with the Royal Engineers near Tidworth
Last updated 9th Aug 2021
John and Rachel Parks have already raised just over £3,000 in memory of their son, Bradley Parks, who tragically took his own life on 27th July 2019 at his barracks near Tidworth.
The couple, from Donacaster, want to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and help others who are suffering.
Bradley was serving in 26 Engineer Regiment, based at Perham Down, and was diagnosed with bipolar in April 2019, just three months before he died.
He was in the process of leaving the Army after four years’ service and would have been discharged in February 2020.
His 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.
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.”