Laurie

At ReActive, our ambassadors each bring a story that goes far beyond fitness. They represent resilience, honesty and the kind of strength that inspires others in real life. We are proud to introduce Laurie, one of our brand ambassadors from Poole.

At 43, Laurie is an ex Royal Marines Commando who served for almost a decade in some of the most hostile situations in the world. Today, he works as a team manager for an electrical distribution network, leading 20 engineers.

Alongside family life and a demanding career, Laurie trains and coaches CrossFit and competes regularly. But what makes his story especially powerful is the journey that brought him back to himself.

Laurie is a passionate advocate for drug and alcohol recovery and for mental health, including PTSD awareness. Now over four years sober from alcohol, he speaks openly about a period in his life when he had hit rock bottom and nearly lost everything. He describes being overweight, unfit, depressed and in a very difficult place. With the help of a small number of people around him, he found his feet again, got sober and rebuilt his life.

CrossFit became a huge part of that transformation. It gave Laurie something to focus on, a fresh start and a new sense of purpose. Today, he says he is in better shape than he was as a Marine in his 20s, in mind and body, proving that focus can bring fitness rewards at all ages.

He now trains five to six days a week and completed his CrossFit Level 1 in September 2024, which led to him coaching others in something he genuinely loves. For Laurie, helping people grow physically and mentally is one of the most rewarding parts of what he does. Just as importantly, he wants training to feel enjoyable and supportive, with no pressure.

That same mindset carries into how he approaches sustainability. Laurie sees it in the everyday choices he makes around exercise and daily habits. He enjoys activities like CrossFit, running and walking, supports sustainable gym wear and tries to choose eco-friendly products and gear where he can. For him, those choices support both personal wellbeing and the health of the planet.