Donations soar after runners death in London Marathon

There has been a surge in donations to a fundraising page set up by a 30-year-old woman who collapsed during the London Marathon.

Claire Squires, from North Kilworth, Leicestershire, was close to the finishing line at Buckingham Palace when she collapsed.

Paramedics attended to her at the scene on Birdcage Walk but they were unable to save her.

According to the BBC, donations to her JustGiving page, were at around £400 on Sunday, the day of the race. Since news of her death emerged, donations have risen to more than £118,000.

On her fundraising page, Ms Squires had written: “I’m running the London Marathon for Samaritans because they continuously support others.”

Donors included fellow marathon runners. Many left touching messages expressing their condolences.

Ms Squire is the 11th person to die running the London Marathon since it was first held in 1981.

Catherine Johnstone, Chief Executive of Samaritans, said Ms Squires had chosen to run for the charity because her mother, Cilla Squires, had been a volunteer with Samaritans for 24 years.

She expressed her sympathy over Ms Squires’ death.

“This is an incredibly sad time for Claire’s family and all those who knew her.

“We desperately wish that it was not under these circumstances but we have been overwhelmed by the response from people donating in Claire’s memory.

“These donations will be put into a tribute fund and, following discussions with the family, will go towards projects they feel would have been important to Claire.”