Donations soar past £600,000 for tragic London marathon runner

Claire Squires had been running in the 26 mile race to raise money when she had a heart attack one mile from the end, and died shortly after.

Her JustGiving page though has been inundated with donations in the wake of this tragic passing. More than 55,000 people have made a donation on her page,with the company waiving its usual fees.

JustGiving’s managing director Anne-Marie Huby has said: “The response to Claire Squires’ tragic death on Sunday has been extraordinary. Out of respect for Claire’s memory we will be donating our fees back to the Samaritans.

A statement from Miss Squires’ family has said of the unprecedented wave of donations: "Claire would be so happy and overwhelmed with the incredible support that has been offered by thousands of people from all over the world.

"For Claire and for the Samaritans, please keep the donations coming. Don’t stop giving, just like her. It’s what she would have wanted.”

Miss Squires was a regular fundraiser for charities, and had been running the marathon for the Samaritans as her mother had been a volunteer there for 24 years.

Photo: Gettty.