Donations to an "inspirational" runner who collapsed and died during the London Marathon are closing in on £100,000 as money continues to flood in to her fundraising website.
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, who was running for Samaritans, was given medical attention by paramedics but died at the scene, organisers said.
Thousands of people have made donations on her JustGiving website, raising the total from £500 to more than £80,000 as of 6pm on Monday as news of her death continues to spread.
Tributes have also flooded in, with messages left for Ms Squires on the JustGiving page and Twitter.
Close friend Nicola Short paid tribute to Claire, describing her as an "inspiration" who brought laughter and love to everyone's life. The pair climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for the RAF Association last year, raising £1,500 for the charity.
Paying tribute to her friend on the association's website, Ms Short said: "Claire is an inspiration to us all. She brought laughter and love to everyone's life. She will be sorely missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this time."
In a statement on its website, the association, which works to support serving and former RAF personnel and their families, said: "It is with great sadness that the RAF Association has heard of the tragic death of Claire Squires, 30, following the London Marathon on Sunday.
"Claire was a wonderfully vibrant and energetic person, who was a keen charity supporter and loved by all who knew her. Claire's efforts in support of the RAF Association helped to raise hundreds of pounds for our charity and that is something for which we will always be grateful. In 2010 she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and also took part in other fundraising events in support of the RAF Family in recent years."
Meanwhile Catherine Johnstone, chief executive of Samaritans, said the organisation was deeply saddened at news of her death. She said: "We are devastated following the tragic death of one of our marathon runners and are supporting the family through this very difficult time. Our thoughts are with everyone who knew her. We appreciate all that our marathon runners do. It is with their support, commitment and fundraising efforts that we are able to offer our vital service for people with nowhere else to turn."
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