RUNNER Matt Campbell, 29, a professional chef who featured in Masterchef: The Professionals last year, has died after collapsing during Sunday's London Marathon.

In a statement, the event's 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.

"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 three hours.

"Matt's chosen charity, The Brathay Trust, inspires vulnerable young people to make positive changes in their lives at justgiving.com/fundraising/mattcampbell-londonmarathon.

"Everyone involved in the organisation of the London Marathon would like to express our sincere condolences to Matt's family and friends.

"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."

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!"