The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Tribute paid to chef who died in race
TV praise for semi-finalist
MasterChef has paid tribute to a former star of the BBC show who died after taking part in the London Marathon.
Matt Campbell, 29, who completed the Manchester Marathon in under three hours earlier this month, was a semifinalist in MasterChef: The Professionals in 2017.
He died after collapsing while running in Sunday’s London Marathon, the hottest ever. His exact cause of death is yet to be established.
A spokeswoman for MasterChef said: “We are shocked and saddened to hear the news about Matt Campbell, one of our talented contestants from last year.
“He will always be remembered for producing some of the most innovative and groundbreaking food that we saw on the series.”
Campbell was running for the Brathay Trust, to improve the life chances of children, young people and families, and in memory of his father.
Donations on Campbell’s JustGiving page increased minutes after his death was announced.
A statement on London Marathon’s official Twitter page said: “With deep sadness, we confirm the death of a participant in the 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon.
“Matt Campbell, aged 29, a professional chef from the Lake District, collapsed at the 22.5mile mark and, although he received immediate medical treatment on the scene from race doctors, he died later in hospital,” added organisers.
According to his website biography, Campbell began his career in Michelinstarred kitchens after finishing second on BBC Young Chef Of The Year at the age of 20 in 2009.