A MasterChef contestant has died after running the
London Marathon on Saturday.
Matt Campbell, a 29-year-old professional chef from the Lake District, collapsed at the 22.5 mile mark.
He received medical treatment at the scene from race doctors, but later died in hospital. The exact cause of death is yet to be determined.
A keen marathon runner, Mr Campbell had completed the Manchester Marathon earlier this month in under three hours.
He was a contestant on MasterChef: The Professionals last year, with judge Marcus Wareing describing his signature dish of "Cod Cheeks, Spirulina, Kale & Kombucha" as the best he had ever tasted on MasterChef.
He began his career working in Michelin-starred kitchens, and came second on the BBC’s Young Chef of the Year when he was 20-years-old.
Mr Campbell spent some time working in the French Alps as a private chef for “VIP guests”, according to his website.
He went on to work at as a chef at private villas along the Cote D'Azur and luxury ski chalets, as well as run culinary courses in India and Thailand and a pop up restaurants in Belize.
Writing on his website, he said he was looking forward to his plans for this year, saying: “2018 is looking exciting, a UK ‘roadshow’ announced, filming for a TV pilot, planning my cookbook, collaborating with brands and working towards my first food start up.”
Mr Campbell was raising money for the Brathay Trust, a charity based in Ambleside, Cumbria which runs training and skills for youth and young adults.
He said that his father Martin, who died 18 months ago, worked “tirelessly” for the charity and through his work, had “helped change many lives for the good”.
On his JustGiving page, Mr Campbell wrote: “As many of you know, I lost my father Martin 18 months ago suddenly. The past year and a half have been the toughest of my life but his spirit and energy live on in me.
“Although he won't be there in person, I know he will be there in spirit and I will be running for him.”
He went on to describe how his father was “the most inspirational man in my life”.
“[He] was the one who said – ‘Go on, why don't you give it a go? I know you can do it!’ and entered me into my first marathon; Brathay 2016 along with my brother, Josh,” Mr Campbell wrote on his fundraising page.
“It was maybe the proudest day of my life standing at the finish line having achieved something I never imagined possible with my Dad & my Brother by my side.”
A spokesman for Virgin Money, the race organisers, said: “With deep sadness, we confirm the death of a participant in the 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon.
“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. 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.”
The spokesman said that the exact cause of death will be established by later medical examination.
The Brathay Trust said they are “devastated” by the death of Mr Campbell. “Matt and his family have been tireless in supporting the work of Brathay Trust and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this terrible time,” a spokesman said.
“Matt became involved with Brathay Trust through his father Martin, who was a key member of the team delivering the Brathay 10in10 (10 marathons in 10 days) until his untimely death in the summer of 2016.”