death

The annual London Marathon took place on Sunday, with almost 40,000 runners raising millions of pounds for good causes. However, despite the usual excitement, fancy dress and fun, there was a tragic side to this year's Marathon. A 30-year-old runner collapsed during the final stretch of the race and died soon after.

Claire Squires was a hairdresser who had run the Marathon once before, and had even climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in March. Despite appearing in good health she collapsed near St James's Park for unknown reasons and paramedics were unable to revive her.

A statement on the London Marathon website yesterday confirmed her death, saying:

"The organisers of the Virgin London Marathon would like to express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. We would like to emphasise that our immediate concern is for the family of the deceased. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with them at this difficult time."

Claire Squires is the tenth runner to die during the London Marathon since it began in 1981. Though the reason for her collapse is still unknown, five of the previous runners who died had been suffering from heart disease that they were unaware of.

The football world is in shock after the 42-year-old manager of the Wales football team was found dead on Sunday morning. Despite appearing on BBC programme ‘Football Focus' just the day before, Gary Speed was found hanged in his family home.

Tributes from friends and colleagues have been pouring in, as everyone struggles to come to terms with Speed's unexpected suicide. The sentiment repeated over and over is one of complete shock. Even to those closest to him, Speed appeared a happy man, with a loving family and a new career showing plenty of early promise.

Glittering Career

Speed had enjoyed a long and glittering football career in England, playing in the Premier League for Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United. He was the first player to reach 500 Premier League appearances and still holds the record as the outfield player with most caps for Wales.

After finally retiring last year, he took on the role as Wales manager in December 2010, and the team were starting to show impressive progress under his control.