London Marathon fatality donations soar

A runner who died after completing the London Marathon has been named as Robert Berry.

Mr Berry, 42, collapsed after crossing the finishing line and was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

Mr Berry, of Newbury, Berkshire, was running the race to raise money for the National Osteoporosis Society after his mother Ann, 72, was diagnosed with osteoporosis 20 years ago. 

Following the tragedy donations to Mr Berry’s JustGiving page have risen to over £30,000.

The event organisers, Virgin Money, expressed their “sincere condolences” to the man’s family in a statement.

The said: “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.”

The tragedy was the first London Marathon death since Claire Squires, 30, collapsed just a mile from the finishing line in 2012 before dying of cardiac failure.

Ms Squires had been raising money for the Samaritans. Following her death donations to the charity soared to more than £1million.

This year competitors were advised to drink plenty of water as conditions were warm, reaching 16C in St James’s Park. 

Around 36,000 competitors took part in this year’s 26.2 mile event, which began in Blackheath and ended on The Mall.

2014’s men’s race was won by Kenyan Wilson Kipsang, while Edna Kiplagat finished first in the women’s event.

Click here to donate to Mr Berry’s JustGiving page.