Former Masterchef contestant, 29, dies after collapsing during the London Marathon

A former Masterchef contestant has died after collapsing during Sunday’s London Marathon, organisers have confirmed.

Matt Campbell, 29, a professional chef who featured in Masterchef: The Professionals last year, collapsed just a few miles from the finishing line on Sunday.

Mr Campbell received medical treatment at the scene but died later in hospital.

In a statement, London Marathon organisers 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.’

The statement added: ‘Everyone involved in the organisation of the London Marathon would like to express our sincere condolences to Matt’s family and friends.’

The exact cause of death is yet to be established.

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Matt was running for The Brathay Trust and in memory of his father, Martin, who died in 2016.

Donations on Campbell’s JustGiving page increased minutes after the professional chef’s death was announced, with thousands more pounds pledged.

In a post on the morning of the race, Mr Campbell told his Instagram followers he was raising money in memory of his father and wished other marathon runners good luck.

He wrote: ‘2nd marathon in 2 weeks, first @manchestermarathon & now, @londonmarathon. I’m running in memory of my Father for @brathaychallenges, thank you so much for this opportunity.

‘Still a little off my fundraising target, if anyone could spare £1 the link is in my bio.

‘Good luck everyone!’

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.

‘It’s been almost 18 months since I lost my Dad and this has been the most challenging period of my life.

‘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.’

According to his biography on his website, Campbell began his career working in Michelin-starred kitchens after finishing second on BBC Young Chef Of The Year at the age of 20 in 2009.

A spokeswoman for MasterChef said: ‘We are shocked and saddened to hear the news about Matt Campbell, one of our talented contestants from last year.

‘It was a privilege to have him on the show. He will always be remembered for producing some of the most innovative and groundbreaking food that we saw on the series.

‘From the whole MasterChef team, our sincere condolences and thoughts are with his family and friends.’