MasterChef star Matt dies as blistering heat of marathon takes toll
TRIBUTES were paid last night to a TV MasterChef star who collapsed and died during the sweltering heat of the London Marathon.
Matt Campbell, 29, fell ill at the 22d-mile mark near Tower Hill – around four miles from the finish – and died on arrival at hospital.
The private chef, from Kendal, Cumbria, was hoping to fund-raise £2,500 for a children’s charity in memory of his father Martin who died 18 months ago. Sunday was his second marathon in a fortnight.
By last night well-wishers had boosted his JustGiving web page total to more than £40,000. Mr Campbell had appeared on the BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals in December and made it through to the semi-finals.
Last night show judge Marcus Wareing paid tribute to the former contestant. The Michelin-starred cook said: “He was a talented, innovative and driven chef with a bright future ahead of him. My thoughts are with his friends and family at this tragic time.”
Food journalist Jay Rayner said: “I presented Matt with an award for outstanding achievement at last month’s Cumbria Life Food and Drink Awards. He was clever and hugely creative and innovative. My thoughts are with his family.”
Inspiring
Mr Campbell’s PR agent, Helen Hokin, said: “He was a lovely, down-to-earth man poised to become the next great innovator in British food. He had such a way with inspiring young chefs. This is so sad.”
This year’s marathon was the hottest ever at 75F (24C), with water stations running dry and dozens of runners collapsing from heat exhaustion.
Just 10 minutes before starting the race Mr Campbell posted a photo of himself and fellow chef Tom Peters with the message: “Let’s do this.”
He was aiming for a three-hour finish but instead became the 12th person to die in the history of the race.
Mr Campbell began his career working in Michelin-starred restaurants after finishing second in the BBC’s Young Chef Of The Year in 2009. He left the UK for the French Alps and worked in private villas and luxury ski chalets but returned for MasterChef.
Just two weeks ago he completed the Manchester Marathon in three hours – soon after finishing another marathon in France. He was fundraising for the Cumbria-based Brathay Trust which helps vulnerable children. Matt with Tom minutes before race