Runner who died in half marathon was 'nicest' man

A runner who died while taking part in a half-marathon for charity has been named by his friends as Brad Clark.

Mr Clark, 25, collapsed during the Southend Half Marathon in Shoeburyness, Essex, on 9 June.

He was half a mile (0.8km) from the finish line when emergency workers rushed to his aid shortly before 11:00 BST.

"Our hearts have been torn out and a massive hole left in our lives that could never be filled," a fundraiser launched online read.

Donations to help pay for Mr Clark's funeral have since reached more than £8,800, as first reported by the Southend Echo.

The author of the fundraising page said Mr Clark was "the nicest bloke you would ever meet".

The race is held to raise money for the Havens Hospices charity

The East of England Ambulance Service said it attended reports of a "medical emergency" in Mess Road on 9 June.

“Two ambulances, an ambulance officer vehicle, a rapid response vehicle and the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance were sent to the scene," it said at the time.

"Sadly, despite the best efforts of medical crews, an adult man was pronounced dead at the scene.”

The race, now in its 28th year, was held to raise money for the Havens Hospices charity.

In a statement, the charity said its "thoughts and sincere condolences" were with Mr Clark's loved ones.