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Chronicle Live
National
Hannah Graham

Sister transforms heartbreaking anniversary into 'positive' celebration of Durham lad who died at 24

As she plunged into the cold water beneath Linhope Spout, Ashleigh Marr had one thing on her mind: the fun, adventurous brother she wished was by her side.

On April 16, Ashleigh challenged herself to swim in the water of the North East's ten biggest waterfalls within ten hours. Her challenge took place on the third anniversary of the tragic death of her brother Alex Johnson, from Chester-le-Street, who died by suicide after a "long and difficult struggle" with mental health problems.

"Thoughtful and caring", as well as "dead funny", Alex's death, at the age of just 24, provoked an outpouring of grief and shock from his community, as the beloved uncle, son, brother and friend had kept many of his difficulties hidden from even close pals.

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