In May 2007 my eldest child and only son, Cpl Darren Bonner, was killed in a land mine explosion in Southern Afghanistan. My whole world fell apart and my life was changed forever. How was I ever to carry on bearing this terrible pain? But I had to keep it together for the sakes of my 3 daughters who had also lost their big brother.
Feeling that I had to do something positive for Darren, I started to organise a walk in honour of the 9 soldiers that we lost in the tour of 2007. So in July 2008 the '100 miles for 9 smiles' walk was born and we (myself and other mums, family members and soldiers from the 1st Battalion) took to the highways from Pirbright in Surrey to Duxford in Cambridgeshire.
Well this is now our 4th year of walking and the 3rd year as 'All the 4s', so we are fairly experienced at walking 150 miles in 10 days! It doesn't seem like 4 years ago that we lost our Darren, but it is so important to keep his and his comrades memories alive and this is what this walk does for us. Sadly nothing can ever bring my boy back, but I have to do something positive in the light of this absolutely horrific tragedy. It's my time to 'Walk with my Darren'.
We have had so much support from the public and it overwhelms me every year how kind and generous people are to our troops, even in these tough economic times. It makes me so proud, but very humbled, to be part of the Royal Anglian Regimental Family. We have now raised over £100k for our Charity from walking and without your help we just couldn't do it.
Well not long now and we will be replacing our sandals with our heavy duty walking boots, to start plodding along the streets from Scunthorpe to Southend, hoping for the support and encouragement we have always had from you. I would like us to exceed the total we raised last year if we can and I am sure that with your support, and in memory of our HEROES, we can do it. RIP our boys.
I can be contacted on 07739 841 124.
Major Mick Abbs has served with the 2nd Battalion for 32 years and is currently based in Bury St Edmunds with their Unit Rear Party, supporting the Battalion in Cyprus whilst they are on a 12 month Afghanistan Reserve Commitment. He is responsible for all Battalion casualties and the compassionate care of both soldiers and their families in the UK. He says 'I served with Darren Bonner and have been inspired by this cause and in particular the endless enthusiasm and dedication displayed by his Mother, Chris. So I am very much looking forward to the challenge ahead and, as I leave the Army for good at the end of this year, see this walk as an opportunity for me to pay back some of what The Royal Anglian Regiment has given to me'.
I can be contacted on 07786 961062.