London Marathon Runner Gets $1 Million in Donations After Death

An Englishwoman who died in last weekend’s London Marathon has raised a record $1.13 million in donations for a U.K. charity.

Claire Squires had set up the fundraising website before the race. She collapsed and died less than a mile from the finish of the 26.2-mile race four days ago. The 30-year-old was running to raise money for Samaritans, a U.K. counseling service for people with depression.

The website has raised more than 710,000 pounds ($1.15 million), most of which came after the race. The funds, pledged by more than 62,000 people, are a record by an individual fundraiser for Samaritans, the charity said.

“Claire’s family have been incredibly moved by the measure of support and donations from the public, and are amazed by the amount raised so far, which continues to rise,” the hairdresser’s relatives said in a statement released yesterday by London Marathon officials. “These donations are a lasting testament to their beloved daughter and the cause in which she believed so passionately.”

Squires was running for Samaritans because her mother Cilla has done volunteer work for the charity for 24 years. Further investigations into the cause of her death are continuing, according to the family’s statement.

To contact the reporter on this story: Bob Bensch in London at bbensch@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Christopher Elser at celser@bloomberg.net.