MasterChef finalist dies after collapsing during London Marathon

A former MasterChef semi-finalist has died after collapsing during the London Marathon – his second marathon in two weeks.

Matt Campbell was running the race for The Brathay Trust in honour of his father Martin, who died 18 months ago, when he collapsed on what was the hottest London Marathon on record with temperatures reaching 24.1C.

The 29-year-old chef, who appeared on the BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals in December 2017, collapsed at the 22.5 mile mark and died later in hospital.

Donations to his sponsorship fund have risen to more than £53,000 – far exceeding his original target of £2,500.

It was the chef’s second marathon in two weeks, having completed the ASICS Greater Manchester Marathon on 8 April.

Helen Hokin, who was Mr Campbell’s PR consultant, said: “He was a lovely, kind-hearted and down-to-earth man. I believe he was poised to become the next great innovator in British food.

“He was in the middle of a roadshow tour and he had such a way with inspiring young chefs. This is so sad.”

Mr Campbell began his career working in Michelin-starred restaurants after finishing second in the BBC’s Young Chef of the Year aged 20 in 2009.

A spokeswoman for MasterChef said: “We are shocked and saddened to hear the news about Matt Campbell, one of our talented contestants from last year.

“It was a privilege to have him on the show. He will always be remembered for producing some of the most innovative and groundbreaking food that we saw on the series.

“From the whole MasterChef team, our sincere condolences and thoughts are with his family and friends.”

We are devastated by the news that our ex-student, Matt Campbell died while running the London Marathon yesterday. Matt was an incredibly talented, focused, and inspirational young chef and our deepest sympathies go out to his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/asS2bPPDD0

— Kendal College (@KendalCollege) April 23, 2018

It is with huge sadness that I received the news of Matt Campbell’s untimely death earlier today. He was a talented, innovative and driven chef with a bright future ahead of him. My thoughts are with his friends & family at this tragic time.

— Marcus Wareing (@marcuswareing) April 23, 2018

I’m absolutely gutted, just got the news that Matt Campbell sadly died after the London marathon
What a lovely, kind hearted and genuine young man who had a massive future in front of him
I’m so glad and honoured to have known him as one of my students but mainly as a friend ❤ pic.twitter.com/GFhTdFFpWr

— Chef Nick Martin (@ChefsPass) April 23, 2018