On the final Sunday of April, in what were perfect marathon running conditions, Sidmouth’s own London Marathon 2018 runners led 82 humans and eight dogs to complete 3.7 miles to remember and celebrate Matt Campbell, a young runner from the Lake District who was unable to complete the London Marathon the week before.
Matt was running for the Brathay Trust in memory of his father Martin Campbell who died 18 months ago.
Brathay Trust is a charity that helps vulnerable children and young adults. Tragically, Matt did not make it past 22.5 miles at the London Marathon, where he collapsed and later died.
Sidmouth runners were keen to do something to remember this great man. Kerry Boyle said: “The London Marathon is such a fantastic event; so many great people raising money for charities. It’s a very emotional day.
“We were devastated to hear that a young runner doing what he loved had died. We just felt that by doing this run and raising money for Brathay Trust, his legacy and spirit will live on helping thousands of vulnerable children.”
Janice Ranson was pleased that SRC had turned out to pay tribute to Matt. She said: “Together with the running community around the country, Sidmouth Running Club ran his 3.7 miles together this morning to #FinishforMatt.”
Steve Saunders, one of the club runners who was away on Sunday and so missed the event, messaged club runners from California to say: “3.7 miles completed in California instead with Louise Saunders. Mighty Green proudly worn for a great tribute to Matt.”
Sidmouth Running Club families and friends met outside Port Royal and had a minute’s applause in respect of Matt and to wish that Matt had been able to hear the crowds roar on the run down the Mall to the finish line.
The group then headed along the seafront, through the Triangle, past the Parish Church and Blackmore Gardens to the Byes and up to the rugby club at Sidford and back. Kerry said: “In true team spirit we regularly stopped and waited for the runners, some of whom were as young as six. Cheers were given to everyone and £204.25 was raised for the Brathay Trust.”
You too can still donate and to do so, go to Matt’s JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mattcampbell-londonmarathon
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here