More than £80,000 has been raised in memory of a runner who collapsed and died during Sunday's London Marathon.
Claire Squires, a 30-year-old hairdresser from North Kilworth, central England, was entering the home straight of the 26.2 mile race when she collapsed in Birdcage Walk near London's St James's Park.
Paramedics tried to revive Squires, running on behalf of the Samaritans charity, but she died at the scene on Sunday
Thousands of people have made donations on her JustGiving website today, raising the total from £500 to more than £80,000 as of 6pm local time (1700GMT) on Monday as news of her death continued to spread.
Catherine Johnstone, chief executive of the Samaritans, an organisation which counsels the suicidal, 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 that we are able to offer our vital service for people with nowhere else to turn."
A statement on the London Marathon website said: "The organisers of the London Marathon would like to express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
"We would like to emphasise that our immediate concern is for the family of the deceased. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with them at this difficult time."
Tests to establish why Squires collapsed as she neared the finish line are expected to take place in the coming days.
She was the 11th runner to die in the London Marathon since the event started in 1981.
Source: AFP European Edition
