A former MasterChef star has died after collapsing while running the London Marathon, organisers have said.
Matt Campbell, 29, who was a semi-finalist in MasterChef: The Professionals in 2017, collapsed at the 22.5 mile mark.
If you would like to do something in memory of chef Matt Campbell, who died running the marathon yesterday, his just giving page is here. He was raising funds for the Brathay trust, which works to improve the life chances of children and young people https://t.co/ddtm7fcgky
— Jay Rayner (@jayrayner1) April 23, 2018
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.
London Marathon Events Statement: Matt Campbell
Read: https://t.co/Un7pr5Ot8b pic.twitter.com/q27EnDwtP5
— London Marathon (@LondonMarathon) April 23, 2018
“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.
Only Matt would top a chocolate pudding with a parsnip tuile. ?? #MasterChefUK pic.twitter.com/wVl2weePaW
— MasterChef UK ? (@MasterChefUK) December 13, 2017
“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.”
The marathon was Campbell’s second in two weeks after completing a race in Manchester.
Speaking about running the marathon in honour of his late father Martin, he wrote on Instagram in February: “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.
“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.”
