The family of a man who died after collapsing during the Great North Run say they have been “overwhelmed by thousands of kind messages” of support.

Sam Wealleans, of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland, died in hospital last Sunday after falling ill during the race.

His parents, Paul and Paula, said the 29-year-old’s death had left them “devastated and heartbroken”.

An online fundraiser has now reached more than £27,000.

Mr Wealleans was running on behalf of mental health charity Mind in memory of his sister and a close family friend.

His cause of death is not yet known.

In a statement, his parents said: “We are devastated and heartbroken following the sudden and unexpected death of our beloved son, Sam.

“We have been overwhelmed by the thousands of kind messages and charitable donations from people across the country and would like to sincerely thank everyone for their support and sympathy.

“Our family have taken great comfort in knowing he was loved by all who knew him.”

The Great Run Company, which organises the half-marathon from Newcastle to South Shields, has said its “thoughts and sympathies are with all those who loved and knew him”.

Mind’s chief executive Sarah Hughes added the organisation would be “forever grateful for Sam’s contribution”.

About 60,000 runners signed up for the 13.1-mile (21km) event, in its 43rd year, which took place in wet and cool conditions.

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