Briana Bowley chats with Damian ‘Obi’ Todd ahead of his world record breaking 24 hour grappling event, ‘Roll Around the Clock,’ in his effort to raise money and awareness for mental health, suicide prevention and RUOK?
Obi is a proud 22-year Royal Marines Commando Veteran, who has lived a very active and athletic lifestyle. Two years ago he lost the feeling in his legs, his groin and arms due to complications from a bobsleigh accident some 15 years earlier. He underwent surgery to repair significant spinal damage to his neck which meant two discs were removed (C5-C7) and replaced with a cage and six titanium screws. The road to recovery was painful and hard. Obi was somewhat limited in what he could do after living such an active lifestyle and unfortunately the inability to maintain the same pace brought on depression and some very dark thoughts.
Obi spent time rehabilitating himself and pushing the boundaries to reclaim his active lifestyle and passion in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. After everything else that he’d endured throughout his military career and surgery, it was the one thing that helped bring him enjoyment and provide a mental and physical outlet.
About the Challenge:
This challenge involves Obi attempting a Guinness World Record to roll (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu grappling) solo for 24 hours supported by volunteers.
The major effort of his challenge is to show people that the impossible is not impossible, that the supposedly unsurmountable is submissible...
There is always a way, you simply need to find or be given a reason. Obi has been there and wants to demonstrate just how possible things are.
It is ultimately about both raising money and awareness for the RUOK? foundation; a foundation whose core function is to prevent suicide through awareness and by encouraging each and everyone to both ask and listen to each other. Think about it, RUOK?; it takes less than a second for the words to pass your lips, but the absolute gravity of that short phrase can mean the difference between life and death to those who we care about.
Obi hopes this inspires and motivates people to fight on, seek help and not suffer alone.
For more information on The Force of Inspiration, or to donate, please head to:
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