Marathon runner’s death inspires

Donations to the charity of an “inspirational” runner who collapsed and died during Sunday’s London Marathon surpassed £100,000 yesterday.

Claire Squires, a hairdresser from North Kilworth, Leicestershire, collapsed in Birdcage Walk near St James’s Park, on the final stretch of the 26.2-mile course.

The 30-year-old, running for Samaritans, was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

Thousands of people have made donations on her JustGiving website, raising the total from £500 yesterday to more than £100,000 as news of her death spread.

Tributes for Ms Squires have been left on the JustGiving page and Twitter.

Close friend Nicola Short paid tribute to Ms Squires, describing her as an “inspiration” who brought “laughter and love to everyone’s life”.