The death of Claire Squires during the Virgin London Marathon has elicited many responses. From Londoners who saw the article in their daily paper, and have donated over 160,000 pounds to her charity, it has been astounding.
Claire Squires had run one marathon before, and last year climbed Mount Kiliminjaro. She was thirty years old. Several papers in London and a website have continued to press for more information, even after the family and the Virgin London marathon had requested some silence and a time to mourn.
We are honoring the request of the family and Virgin London staff. Please keep Claire Squires in your thoughts and prayers.
Press Statement
For immediate release – Wednesday 25th April 2012
Claire Squires
Following the very sad death of one of our competitors Claire
Squires in last Sunday’s London Marathon, we have been asked by the
family (parents Paul and Cilla, daughters Maxine, Nicola and Penny and
partner Simon Van Herrewege) to issue this further statement.
Claire’s family have been incredibly moved by the measure of
support and donations from the public, and are amazed by the amount
raised so far, which continues to rise. These donations are a lasting
testament to their beloved daughter and the cause in which she believed
so passionately. Claire was particularly inspired to run for the
Samaritans by her mother’s 24 years of volunteer work for the
Samaritans.
The family would now like to appeal to the media to respect
their privacy and allow them to deal with their grief in private.
Although a post mortem has been held further investigations into
the cause of death are continuing and the family will not be making any
further statements about this at present.
The event organisers, the Virgin London Marathon would ask for
understanding from the media in this matter, and hope that the media
will respect the family’s wishes in this matter.
