A 25-year-old Ipswich man has completed three marathons in three weekends in memory of the sister he lost as a child.
Chandler Bonne, from Ipswich, was just five years old when he discovered his sister Laiken drowned in the bath in a tragic accident at their home in Chantry.
Laiken was 12 and had cerebral palsy, a group of conditions that affect movement and posture, and the siblings were very close.
Now a dad-of-two, Chandler decided to run three marathons for Sense, a charity that supports people living with complex disabilities, including those who are deafblind.
On April 7, he completed the Brighton Marathon in 4 hours and 22 minutes. The following week, on April 14, he ran the Manchester Marathon in 4 hours and 2 minutes, and on Sunday, April 21, he completed the London Marathon at his fastest time yet – 3 hours and 56 minutes.
He chose Sense as the charity supports people living with complex disabilities, including those who are deafblind. Laiken had cerebal palsy and was partially blind and deaf.
Chandler was spurred on by the events of his childhood to do “something really positive” for his partner Lauren Cowie, 27, and their two young children, Preston, two, and nine-month-old Priya.
He said: “This is something I’ve always wanted to do, but now I have two young kids and a partner, so it’s about doing good things, setting a good example, and setting challenges.
“It’s been very hard but very rewarding as well.
“I grew up in Chantry, and my life could have taken a very different path, especially after what happened. It might have been easier, but instead I just try and do these good things.”
The keen gym-goer also recently started his own running club in Ipswich on Sunday mornings, to encourage community for people who have been through hard times: “People come along who have been in dark places themselves or have stopped drinking or just have their own story.
“Some of them travelled to London to support me this weekend, which just pushes me on.
“I help them to do good, and that helps me to do good.”
To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/chandler-bonne-1704712515704
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