UK & World News
- 3 May 2012, 3:48
Tragic Marathon Runner Mourned By Hundreds
Hundreds of people have attended the funeral of Claire Squires, the runner who died during the London Marathon.
Since her death more than £1m has been donated to the Samaritans on Claire's JustGiving web page.
The 30-year-old hairdresser collapsed and died close to the finish of the marathon. She was an experienced runner.
In the service at St Andrew's Church in North Kilworth, Leicestershire, tributes were paid to the runner by her partner Simon van Herrewege and her younger sister Penny.
She told mourners: "Claire couldn't do anything quietly. She came into this world making the front page of the paper after Dad delivered her in the front seat of the car on Leicester Road.
"Now look how she's left us - a huge legacy she's left in her footsteps, well over £1m raised for charity and she has become the nation's sweetheart.
"I'm so proud to call her my sister."
Mourners were asked to wear a "splash" of red, Ms Squire's favourite colour.
Red wristbands were also given out inscribed with her name and three Xs, to signify her age.
As well as personal tributes there was also a particularly apt bible reading from the "Good Samaritan".
Ms Squires was running the London Marathon in aid of Samaritans.
In his eulogy, Mr Herrewege fought back the tears as he told the congregation: "I would like to recognise the overwhelming level of support from across the UK and the world who've taken her into their hearts.
"Everyone who knew Claire knew what a beautiful, fun and caring girl she was. Now it seems like an awful lot more people know that.
"The level of generosity has been absolutely mind-blowing, along with the endless moving tributes which have offered some comfort to her family, myself and all those who knew and loved her."
Claire was buried in the family plot in the churchyard in a private service prior to the funeral.
Reverend Emma Davies began the service telling mourners that "many people's lives will be changed for the better because of Claire".
Update:
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what do you think?
Janet Baines
If I was a member of Claire's family, I would be immensely proud. She sounds to have been a great girl and her untimely death running for the Samaritans will help others. Very sad loss to all who knew her. R.I.P. Claire
Janet Baines
Does anyone know what the largest amount has ever been raised since the Marathon began, by a single individual - surely this must be a record?
John Bibby
My wife ran the London Marathon this year for Parkinson's, and finished about an hour after poor Claire had fallen. I was at the 23rd mile, near Monument, cheering the runners on, and it grieves me that Claire must have run past me as I cheered the runners on. I had no idea until the following morning that this tragedy had occurred. What a wonderful, selfless, tragic lady, and an inspiration to all. Her death can not have been in vain, and somehow will benefit all those who are desperate. May God Bless you Claire. "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?" 1Cor.9:24 You have run that race, and your reward will be great.
Lee Zakk
i really hope that now so much extra money has been raised . that others aswell as the samaritans will also benefit . as claire seemed to have a heart defect . then i hope some of it goes to the british heart foundation . i.m sure she would want that & i hope her family realise that too . R.I.P claire X
Malcolm Hirst
3:40pm on 2/5/2012
I think that the next London Marathon should be called; "The Claire Squires London Marathon" She has made such an impact on peoples lives, that I cannot see anyone objecting!