Soldier mother gets royal backing

Cpl Darren Bonner died in May 2007

A Lincolnshire mother preparing to walk 100 miles in memory of nine soldiers killed in Afghanistan has secured sponsorship from the Prince of Wales.

Her son, Cpl Darren Bonner, 31, died in a landmine explosion in the Gereshk region of Helmand in May 2007.

On Monday, Christine Bonner, 52, will set off from Reading, Berkshire, on the "100 miles for nine smiles" walk.

She said she approached the Prince as he attended a service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

'Down to earth'

"I waited by the door he had to walk through and thought 'go for it girl'.

"I explained what we were doing and then asked if he would sponsor us. He didn't even hesitate.

"He's a fantastic guy and really down to earth," she said.

Mrs Bonner added she had not been told the value of the cheque.

About 20 soldiers will also take part in the walk, which will raise money for The Royal Anglian Regiment Benevolent Charity.

Mrs Bonner, who has already collected more than �16,000 for the cause, is due to arrive in Duxford, Cambridgeshire, a week after setting off.

Relatives of all nine servicemen killed on the March to October 2007 tour of Afghanistan will join her along the route.

The nine 1st Battalion Royal Anglians who died in Afghanistan last year were Cpl Darren Bonner; Pte Chris Gray; L/Cpl Alex Hawkins; L/Cpl George Davey; Pte Robert Foster; Pte Aaron McClure; Pte John Thrumble; Capt David Hicks; Pte Tony Rawson.

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