Lord of the Dance
Former Masterchef contestant, 29, dies after collapsing at London Marathon
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Former Masterchef contestant, 29, dies after collapsing at London Marathon

A MAN who tragically died after collapsing at the London Marathon yesterday has been named as a former Masterchef semi-finalist.

Matt Campbell, a professional chef from the Lake District, collapsed at the 22.5 mile mark in central London on Sunday afternoon.

The 29-year-old received immediate medical treatment at the scene but sadly died in hospital.

Matt reached the semi-finals of MasterChef: The Professionals in 2017 and impressed the judges with his Nutritional Gastronomy movement.

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

This year's London Marathon was the hottest on record with temperatures peaking just below 25c.

Matt Campbell [right] was a professional chef from the Lake District (Image: JustGiving)
A spokesman for race organisers, Virgin Money, 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 added that Matt's exact cause of death will be established by a post-mortem examination later.

"No further details will be released and the family has asked for privacy," they said.

Matt's fundraiser is still accepting donations here.