Runner, 29, dies during the Great North Run as his mental health fundraiser in memory of his sister and friend passes £20,000

A mental health fundraiser set up by a runner who died while competing in the Great North Run has now received more than £20,000 in donations.

Sam Wealleans, of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea in Northumberland, died after he fell ill during the half marathon on Sunday.

The 29-year-old was raising money on behalf of Mind, the mental health charity, in memory of his sister Carly and a close family friend.

His online fundraiser had reached £20,100 by the early hours of Wednesday morning, far out-stripping his target of £350.

Writing on the fundraiser before the event, Sam said: 'I'm running the Great North Run on Sunday the 8th of September 2024 for mental health charity Mind and also in memory of my sister Carly and family friend Matty Wall. Any donations would be greatly appreciated.'

It continued: '1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England.

'If the money I raise helps just 1 person who's going through a difficult time and prevents them from taking their own life I'll be happy!'

The Great North Run, from Newcastle to South Shields, South Tyneside, attracted 60,000 runners, the most in its history.

Organisers of the event said they were 'deeply saddened' after hearing the news of Sam’s death.

A Great Run Company spokesperson said: 'All at the Great Run Company are deeply saddened by Sam's passing.

'We are continuing to support Sam's close family during this incredibly difficult time, and our thoughts and sympathies are with all those who loved and knew him.'

Donators offered their condolences to Sam's family on his fundraising page, describing the runner as an 'amazing person' who was 'doing a wonderful thing' before he died. 

One person wrote: 'An amazing person gone too soon. Your an inspiration and as a fellow mind runner and supporter I aim to continue your amazing work.' 

Another said: 'Such a tragic loss, hopefully the money raised saves many other lives.' 

A third added: 'I hope many lives are saved in memory of this dear life lost.', while a fourth posted: 'I am so sorry. He was doing a wonderful thing.'