A fundraiser started by a man who died running the Great North Run has hit £21k after his passing.

Sam Wealleans, 29, was running the half-marathon on Sunday (September 8) for mental health charity Mind when he collapsed around mile 11 and later died in hospital.

His online fundraising page has now raised £21.4k since news of his death was announced this week.

Sam, from Newbiggin, Northumberland was taking part in the race and raising funds for mental health charity Mind in memory of his sister Carly and a family friend, his fundraising page states.

On Tuesday Mind Chief Exec Sarah Hughes said the charity was “forever grateful” for Sam’s fundraising and had been “devastated” to learn of his passing.

Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind, added: “We are devastated to learn of the death of Sam Wealleans, who was running and fundraising for Mind at the Great North Run on Sunday.

"We will be forever grateful for Sam’s contribution to helping us be there for people experiencing a mental health problem, we know that this was a cause very dear to him.

“We are in touch with the Great North Run organisers and we are here to support Sam’s family and friends. Our thoughts and condolences are with Sam’s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time, and we ask that their privacy is respected.”

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A Great North Run 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.”

Anyone wishing to donate can do so via Sam’s page.