On March 24, CrossFit Level 4 coach and British Navy veteran McCoy “Topsy” Turner died after what has been described as “a long and silent battle” with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- Turner, a former Physical Training Instructor (PTI) with the Royal Navy, dedicated his life to serving others both in the military and as a CrossFit coach and Seminar Staff member. He helped deliver 256 Level 1 and Level 2 courses throughout Europe and Asia.
Following Turner’s death, his gym, CrossFit Choice in Portsmouth, UK, immediately organized a global memorial workout with a goal to raise £42,000 (approximately $54,000 USD). That number is significant as it represents £1,000 for each year of Turner’s life.
- This initiative aimed to support Turner’s two teenage sons, Brodie and Tommy, as they move “through the next chapter” of their lives, explained Gemma Clifton, a gym member.
Other gyms around the world — including in Bali, Portugal, France, Australia, and the United States — also took part in the workout: a 25-minute AMRAP consisting of 42 lunges, 38 burpees, 38 ground-to-overheads, and a 400-meter run completed in pairs or teams of three.
- As of the time of publishing, the CrossFit Choice community has raised £38,053 with plans to reach £42,000. Donations can be made here.
The Big Picture
The coaches and members at CrossFit Choice have a second goal: to raise awareness and foster ongoing dialogue about PTSD and men’s mental health, ensuring that others do not have to suffer in silence as Turner did.
- “His smile was infectious, and so was his passion for helping others,” Clifton said.
But behind that smile, he silently fought PTSD and ultimately lost the battle.
- “He showed up for others relentlessly, but like so many men, he kept his own battles hidden. Now, we want to ensure his legacy lives on, not only in our workouts but in how we discuss mental health,” CrossFit Choice co-owner Paul Ormston said.
Karl Thorpe, the gym’s other owner, added: “You were deeply loved, Topsy. Now, it’s our job to carry your legacy forward by supporting your boys and encouraging others to speak up, seek help, and remind every man out there that you’re not alone. We will continue to live by your mantra, doing the right things for the right reasons for the right people.”
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Featured Image: CrossFit Choice
