Kind-hearted people from across Sussex have donated money in memory of a young runner who died after competing in the Brighton Marathon.
After The Argus released information about Sam Harper Brighouse’s Just Giving page, donations to his chosen charity – supporting children with HIV in Africa and India – soared.
As The Argus went to press last night (April 15) more than £10,000 had been raised via Sam’s page for Arms Around The Child (UK).
A further £5,000 was donated overnight.
Scores of fellow runners and spectators left heart-wrenching messages and donated cash.
Mr Harper Brighouse’s father, Richard, 50, told a newspaper his family was “mystified” by his son’s death, saying the 23-year-old had been “as fit as a fiddle”.
The family had gone to watch the marathon and were following Mr Harper Brighouse's progress using a GPS tracker when it stopped.
Devastated family
He said: “We thought the tracker had failed but then received a call at the finishing line saying he had collapsed. We just cannot believe it. We are devastated.”
Sam had initially wanted to raise £500 and was “delighted” to manage this, the European director of the charity, Ellie Milner, said. Officials will be working with his family over the coming weeks to set up a specific project in his name.
Ms Milner said: “We are utterly devastated and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
Doctors, nurses, paramedics and passers-by, including off-duty Sussex Police chief inspector Jane Derrick, tried to resuscitate Sam but he died later in hospital.
Donation wishes
Donating money, Angela, of Hove, said: “You fell in full sight of my front window so my family were with you.
“We shan’t forget you either.”
A fellow runner said: “I ran past you as they were working on you and said a prayer that you would be OK. RIP Sam you paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
Before the race Sam had written that he was not going to “bottle” the marathon.
He said: “Dunno about you but I feel like running a marathon today.”
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