Marathon death donations pass £140k

Apr 23 2012

Donations to the charity of an "inspirational" runner who collapsed and died during the London Marathon have surpassed £140,000, with money continuing to flood in.

Claire Squires, a hairdresser from North Kilworth, Leicestershire, collapsed in Birdcage Walk near St James's Park on the final stretch of the 26.2-mile course.

The 30-year-old, running for Samaritans, was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

Thousands of people have made donations on her JustGiving website, raising the total from £500 when the race started to more than £100,000 as news of her death spread. Tributes have also flooded in, with messages left for Ms Squires on the JustGiving page and Twitter.

Close friend Nicola Short paid tribute to Ms Squires, describing her as an "inspiration" who brought laughter and love to everyone's life. The pair climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for the RAF Association last year, raising £1,500 for the charity.

Paying tribute on the association's website, Ms Short said: "Claire is an inspiration to us all. She brought laughter and love to everyone's life. She will be sorely missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this time."

Meanwhile Catherine Johnstone, chief executive of Samaritans, said the organisation was deeply saddened at news of her death. She said: "We are devastated following the tragic death of one of our marathon runners and are supporting the family through this very difficult time. Our thoughts are with everyone who knew her. We appreciate all that our marathon runners do. It is with their support, commitment and fundraising efforts that we are able to offer our vital service for people with nowhere else to turn."

A statement on the London Marathon website said: "The organisers of the Virgin London Marathon would like to express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. We would like to emphasise that our immediate concern is for the family of the deceased. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with them at this difficult time."

Ms Squires was a hairdresser at Moko hair salon in Church Street, Market Harborough.

She is the 11th participant to die since the event began in 1981.