It will soon be five years since a fishing tragedy in Lower Prospect, Nova Scotia took the lives of Gerry and his dad, Gerald Blackburn. Jen Bonin will mark the date by running a marathon in Italy in memory of her late boyfriend, Gerry. Her goal is to raise $15,000 in donations to provide family support programs and services for other Canadians who have been affected by a workplace tragedy.

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Jen’s story

May 27, 2008 was a rough day at sea in Lower Prospect. It is a day many will never forget.

That morning seemed normal to me, as I laid in bed still half-asleep while Gerry left for work. He kissed me, but that one wasn’t good enough so he kissed me again and said “I love you, baby” then left for work. That was the last time I saw him.

Early that morning Gerry and his dad, Gerald, were lost at sea. It is said that a rogue wave overtook their boat. Local fisherman and Search and Rescue were out searching for them while ECO Outfitters used their kayaks to get into the coves. It wasn’t until the next day that they found their bodies. Gerry’s Mom lost her youngest son and her husband in one day. I can still remember her scream when a police officer came to tell her that they found “her baby”.

Nothing was the same anymore. Life as I knew it was over and I had to start over.

In the winter of 2011 I became involved with Threads of Life and  met some great people. I attended the Speakers Training Bureau and learned how to share my story to help prevent anything like what happened to us from happening to another family. I’ve learned so much from the people that I have met through Threads of Life. Thank you.

For more details on Jen’s story, see her story in the Summer 2012 edition of Threads.

 

May 2013 European Marathon in La Bavisela, Italy

Trieste, Italy

Why am I taking on this challenge? I want Gerry and Gerald and their families to know that we all still care and they will always be in our lives. My boyfriend, Hank (Corey) MacDonald, and I will be running/walking a full marathon in Italy in their memory. We have committed to fundraising $15,000 for the Threads of Life Charity and will appreciate any assistance.

 

How can you help?

Join us with every step by pledging to our cause! We would really appreciate your support as we work toward the marathon.

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We like you – Come ‘like’ us — on Facebook! Follow our journey as we train for the European Marathon in May 2013. Share your own stories – we would love to hear them!