Man who died after half marathon finish line collapse honoured

Kory Russell died at the finish line of Royal Parks Half Marathon in London

The family of a man who died after collapsing at the finish line of a half marathon has said he was the "best son and brother anyone could ask for".

Kory Russell, 25, from Sully, Vale of Glamorgan, collapsed at the finish line of the Royal Parks Half Marathon in Hyde Park, London, on 12 October.

He received specialist medical treatment at the scene and was taken to hospital but later died.

His parents Matt and Rhi Russell said he was fit and healthy and had been following a regular training schedule prior to the half marathon.

"He'll be remembered for his kindness, his caring nature, his wit, but more importantly, and more than anything, his infectious smile, it would light up a room," they said.

"More often than not he would be smiling at every opportunity. I think that's what we would like him to be remembered for most."

Kory had been living and working in London since graduating from Loughborough University and was passionate chef, having previously worked in a Michelin star restaurant in Penarth.

His family added he was driven, hard-working and always busy.

They said he was "fiercely proud of his Welsh roots", a fluent Welsh speaker alongside his siblings and a regular attendee of the Eisteddfod.

Kory's funeral took place on Friday and included a performance of a song written by his brother Iosi.

There were also performances from his friend Manon Ogwen Parry and Pendyrus Male Voice Choir, and Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg school choir.

A bilingual poem written in memory of Kory by author, poet and school friend Brennig Davies was read and specially recorded songs and messages by Paddington The Musical stars James Hameed and Tom Fletcher, and Welsh singer and West End actor Lucie Jones, were played.

Welsh folk singer Dafydd Iwan also sent the family a message to be played out at the funeral.

The funeral was held at Llandaff Cathedral on Friday

Before his death, Kory had run 5km (3.1-mile) events and swam for the City of Cardiff Swimming Club when as a child.

His mum Rhi said he was looking forward to running the Royal Parks Half Marathon with his family and friends supporting him.

"It all changed so fast, he collapsed as he was approaching the finish line. We think his heart stopped after going into cardiac arrest," she said.

"We went from cheering him on, to him falling unconscious and being taken to the medical tent where at one stage he had 26 medical professionals trying to save his life."

Kory was taken by an ambulance to a nearby hospital, but later died.

His parents thanked the medical staff and race organisers for all the help and support offered.

Dad Matt said: "We witnessed first-hand the medical expertise of the paramedics and doctors and know that they did everything they could for Kory."

Runners of the half marathon and the event organisers have since contacted Kory's family to offer their sympathies.

The formal cause of Kory's death is still unknown.