London Marathon death: Chef, 29, dies after collapsing during hottest race on record
A RUNNER who took part in the London marathon on Sunday, has died after collapsing during the hottest race day on record, according to race organisers.
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A statement on London Marathon's official Twitter page, said: "With deep sadness, we confirm the death of a participant in the 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon.
"Matt Campbell, aged 29, a professional chef from the Lake District, collapsed at the 22.5 mile mark and, although he received immediate medical treatment on the scene from race doctors, he died later in hospital.
"Matt was a well-known chef who featured in Masterchef: The Professionals last year, inspiring viewers with his Nutritional Gastronomy movement and forward-thinking ideas. He was running for The Brathay Trust and in memory of his father, Martin, who died in the summer of 2016.
"Matt's family today paid tribute to their inspirational son and brother, who was a keen marathon runner and had earlier this month completed the Manchester Marathon in under 3 hours.
"Matt's chosen charity, The Brathay Trust, inspires vulnerable young people to make positive changes in their lives.
"Everyone involved in the organisation of the London Marathon would like to express our sincere condolences to Matt's family and friends.
"No further details will be released and the family has asked for privacy. The exact cause of death will be established by later medical examination."
Twitter
The chef had begun his career in Michelin-starred kitchens after finishing second on BBC Young Chef Of The Year at the age of 20 in 2009.
He was running the marathon for Brathay Trust in honour of his late father Martin.
In February he took to Instagram and wrote: "Words can't describe how honoured and humbled I feel to be asked to run this year's @londonmarathon on behalf of @brathaychallenges/@brathaytrust and in memory of my Father, Martin Campbell.
"It's been almost 18 months since I lost my Dad and this has been the most challenging period of my life.
Instagram/ mattsoire
"One thing that has helped me immensely is running and he inspired me to undertake my first marathon (Brathay) in 2016.
"I would never have believed 2 years on I would have the opportunity to represent such an incredible charity at such a prestigious event. Fundraising for Brathay with the proceeds going towards their memorial appeal in my Father's name."
He posted an image of himself with Chef Tom Peters in Greenwich Park, just 10 minutes before the race with the caption "Let's do this!"
Another haunting Instagram posted on his page yesterday, shows how he had laid out his kit, trainers, and even sunglasses for the race.
His fluorescent yellow vest with the number 35479 was also carefully displayed in the picture.
Sky News
Two weeks ago, the chef completed the Manchester Marathon in three hours.
He had also taken part in a marathon in Provence, France.
Sunday’s London marathon was the hottest on record with temperatures reaching 23C.
The Met Office said the day had highs of 23.2C (73.8F) which beat the previous best of 22.7C (72.8F) set in 1996.
PA
Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya won the men’s race in a time of two hours, four minutes and 16 seconds.
Vivian Cheruiyot won the women’s race in a time of two hours, 18 minutes and 31 seconds.
A Just giving page has been set up in honour of Matt.
It had raised £11,099 at the time of writing.
Anyone who wants to donate to Brathay Trust can click this link: