THOUSANDS of runners from all over the world have come together over the past week to ‘finish’ Matt Campbell’s marathon.

Matt, 29, collapsed at mile 22.5 of this year’s London Marathon. Although given immediate medical attention, he later died in hospital.

There has been a national outpouring of grief since his death and more than £400,000 has been raised for the Brathay Trust, the Ambleside charity he was running for.

To commemorate Matt’s life, who last year was a semi-finalist on MasterChef: The Professionals, people pledged to finish the 3.7 miles he was unable to.

More than 500 gathered outside White Cross Bay Holiday Park near Troutbeck Bridge last Thursday to complete the distance, ending the run at the Brathay Trust.

Ambleside resident Kingsley Jones organised the run and said that although he did not know Matt, the run was a ‘way of showing some recognition’ for the charity work he was doing.

“There was an absolute mix of emotions,” he said. “It was not just supporting Matt. It was supporting his friends and family in a unique way.”

Prior to the start of the run, Kingsley read out a statement from Matt’s family and a minute of silence was held.

“The amazing response from so many people has been overwhelming,” it said. “The generosity, kindness and support is undoubtedly helping our family at this devastating time. It is great comfort to us that the public’s response to Matt’s life will create a lasting legacy for so many children and young people.”

Fell-running legend Joss Naylor was among those taking part, alongside a number of local chefs who completed the distance in their whites.

Runners have posted about their individual and group runs on a ‘Finish for Matt’ Facebook page, with messages coming from places including America, Iceland and London.

On Saturday Kendal’s Ibis football club, which Matt played for as a junior, hosted a run at Jubilee Fields that was attended by 60 people.

“It was amazing to see people come together and share memories of Matt,” said team member Matt Harby. “He was a talented footballer as well as his skills in the kitchen and he will be missed by so many people. I hope he is looking down and has seen how many people have contributed to something he started.”