A Suffolk soldier fundraising in memory of his “princess” teenage daughter who died last year has said her determination continues to inspire him.

East Anglian Daily Times: Trevor Bygate who is cycling and running to raise money for Child Bereavement UK in memory of his daughter Chloe who died in April. Photograph Simon ParkerTrevor Bygate who is cycling and running to raise money for Child Bereavement UK in memory of his daughter Chloe who died in April. Photograph Simon Parker (Image: Archant)

Sergeant Trevor Bygate, of the Wattisham-based 3 Regiment Army Air Corp, was on a military exercise in an Arizona desert when he was told his daughter Chloe had been found dead in her flat in Wales on April 30 last year.

She was aged 19. An inquest in Pembrokeshire into the sudden death opened last October and remains ongoing.

Mr Bygate, who lives in Hadleigh with his wife Kerry, 40, and children Talia, six, and Bodie, nine, has since taken on a series of physically-demanding challenges in aid of Child Bereavement UK, which has helped him come to terms with his loss.

The 40-year-old has set a fundraising target of £10,000 and said that although “the pain will never go away” his family and his charitable efforts help him get through each day.

East Anglian Daily Times: Chloe BygateChloe Bygate (Image: Archant)

He said: “Chloe was my princess and now she is my angel. She has given me the determination to help others who are suffering the same pain as myself.

“She was bright, beautiful and always loved family and friends. She will be in our hearts and minds till one day we meet again.

“Luckily I’m in the military and was able to have 11 weeks off. I am fully back to work now and am taking each day as it comes.

“It is a challenge but my fundraising, my two little ones and my wife keep me going.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Trevor Bygate at a Queen's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.Trevor Bygate at a Queen's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. (Image: Archant)

Mr Bygate, who has served in Bosnia and Afghanistan, is taking on the Brighton Marathon on April 12. Two weeks later, he takes part in the London Marathon.

On the night of June 6/7, he is participating in the Ride the Night – cycling 100km around London at night. June 7 would have been Chloe’s 21st birthday.

My Bygate added: “You go through grief but I am trying to focus on the positives and help others who are going through the same thing as me.”

To donate, visit Mr Bygate’s fundraising page at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TrevorBygate.