A first-time marathoner is attempting a trio of arduous races to honour his late sister.

Chandler Bonne, 25, from Ipswich, was just five years old when he discovered his sister Laiken, who tragically drowned at their family home aged 12.

Laiken had cerebral palsy and her death has left an impression on Mr Bonne's life.

The amateur rugby player, whose brother is ex-Ipswich Town loanee Macauley Bonne, is now determined to take on three marathons in three successive Sundays.

Ipswich Star: Chandler's older sister Laiken died at aged 12 Chandler's older sister Laiken died at aged 12 (Image: Bonne family)

The starting gun for the Brighton Marathon sounded off on April 7, followed by the Manchester Marathon on April 14, and he will culminate the challenge with the London Marathon on April 21.

These runs aim to raise funds for Sense, a national charity supporting individuals with disabilities.

Mr Bonne said: “I know running three marathons for Sense is going to be difficult and I’ll be sore afterwards, but if I can help someone supported by the charity, who has complex disabilities and who has been through a lot more, it will make it all worthwhile.

Ipswich Star: Chandler, 25 says he wants to make his partner Lauren and their children proud Chandler, 25 says he wants to make his partner Lauren and their children proud (Image: Submitted)

“My motivation is my big sister, Laiken - everything I am doing boils down to her."

With an ambitious target of £2,500, Mr Bonne's initiative aims to raise awareness and fundraise to help those suffering like his sister did.

He said: "I need to do good things in life and, especially since becoming a dad, it’s about doing something really positive and making my amazing partner, Lauren, and our kids proud."

Ipswich Star: Chandler is taking on the mammoth challenge to raise money for Sense Chandler is taking on the mammoth challenge to raise money for Sense (Image: Bonne family)

Sense's head of national events and community fundraising, Caroline Buckland, said: “Chandler’s determination to take on three marathons in three weeks is incredible and his motivations for taking on this enormous challenge for Sense – to honour his sister’s memory, make his family proud and fundraise for our charity – are just as awe-inspiring."

Mr Bonne has already managed to raise more than £900 for Sense.

His JustGiving page is available for donations at www.justgiving.com/page/chandler-bonne-1704712515704