A ROYAL Marines veteran is running more than 100 miles to raise money in memory of his close friend.

Sam Parkinson, a "well-loved" veteran, tattoo artist and security guard, died at his Southampton home on March 19.

The 26-year-old was a tattoo artist at Ian Ink Tattoo on Leighton Avenue in Shirley, and also worked as a security guard at The Edge Nightclub in Southampton.

As well as a passion for art, Sam was into skateboarding, music and motorbikes.

His “pride and joy” was his custom Harley Davidson that he worked on himself.

Sam was also a Royal Marines veteran and enjoyed mixed martial arts.

Now, a close friend has organised an event to raise money for a charity that help serving military and veterans with there mental health.

Jack Elliot, 29, from Riddings, Derbyshire, served in the Royal Marines with Sam.

Jack left the Marines in January 2020 having joined in 2009, and is now a transport manager for a company called Linear Logistics.

Jack set himself the challenge to run 177 miles during April to raise vital funds for Rock2Recovery in memory of his friend.

The challenge is the distance from Jack's home in Riddings to Sam's home in Southampton.

So far, Jack has completed 104 miles, with 73 miles still left to tackle.

The final seven miles will be ran on May 1 starting at Sam's former tattoo studio Ian Ink Tattoo and finishing at the chapel in Royal Victoria County Park.

Jack has raised an incredible £3,560 to date but is aiming to raise £5,000.

He said: "Sam was a very close friend of mine during our time together in the Royal Marines.

"I have now completed 104 miles with 73 miles left to do.

"We have so far raised £3,560 which is being donated to Rock2Recovery in Sam's name.

"They are a charity that help serving military and veterans with there mental health.

"On May 1 I will be running my final leg in Southampton starting at Sam's place of work Ian Ink and finishing at the chapel in Royal Victoria Country Park."

To donate, visit www.teamfortitude.uk/collections/team-members/products/rtyo.