Matt Campbell recently hosted an event at the Manchester Real Junk Food Project
North West chef Matt Campbell has died after collapsing during Sunday’s London Marathon.
Reports say Campbell, 29, who last year reached the semi finals of Masterchef: The Professionals, collapsed at the 22 mile mark and later passed away in hospital.
It was the Lake District chef’s second marathon this month, having completed the Manchester Marathon two weeks ago in memory of his late father, who died in 2016.
He will always be remembered for producing some of the most innovative and ground-breaking food that we saw on the series.
Following the Manchester Marathon (7 April), Campbell wrote on social media:
‘I am loving life right now, saying yes to every challenge. Thank you to my friends and family for always supporting me and giving me the confidence to just go for it.
‘Running has been amazing for me over the past two years, considering I only ran my first marathon 20 months ago, it’s helped me through grief, helped me destress, helped me process information after a long day and helped me menu plan!
‘Onto @londonmarathon in 2 weeks time!’
The sad news comes just weeks after the talented chef hosted a successful evening at Manchester’s Real Junk Food project, feeding 45 guests a fine dining menu comprised off food which would have otherwise gone to waste.
Campbell cut his teeth at L'Enclume, Simon Rogan's Michelin-starred restaurant in Cartmel. Aged 20 he finished second in the BBC's 'Young Chef of the Year', before embarking on a global culinary tour working as a private chef in France, India and America.
A statement by marathon organisers said: "Everyone involved in the organisation of the London marathon would like to express our sincere condolences to Matt's family and friends... The exact cause of death will be established by later medical examination."
Masterchef released this statement: 'We are shocked and saddened to hear the news about Matt Campbell, one of our talented contestants from last year. It was a privilege to have him on the show. He will always be remembered for producing some of the most innovative and ground-breaking food that we saw on the series.'
Campbell was running to fundraise for Cumbrian-based charity, the Brathay Trust, which aims to improve the life chances of children and young people. You can donate here.
