Man, 29, who died taking up Great North run named as friends left ‘deeply saddened’

A man who collapsed to his death during the Great North Run has been publicly named.

Sam Wealleans was running in memory of his sister, Carly, and a close family friend on Sunday to raise money for mental health charity, Mind. As he edged his way towards the finish line of the 13.1 mile route, the 29-year-old from Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland, fell ill.

A spokesperson for the Great Run Company 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.

“In accordance with the wishes of Sam’s family, no further details will be released, and we ask the media to respect their request for privacy.”

Sunday’s event was the biggest Great North Run yet, with 60,000 participants.

A heartbreaking tribute paid on Facebook by a woman named Gemma, reads: “My heart is literally snapped into a million pieces for the wealleans family tonight. The sorrow i feel for those 2 lush people is undescribable. How does any1 move on from this? Why?? Why take their lovely bairns, man!!

“Y bother trying if ur life’s joy is able to b ripped from beneath u like that. How will they ever carry on after this? Theres just no words 4 this other than to say how sincerely sorry i am for Sam & Carly’s parents tonight. Aswell as his daughter & the west of their family xxx.”

A 2.1 mile run is now being organised in Sam’s hometown on September 29 “to finish the race in his honour” celebrate his life.

Sam originally set a fundraising target of £350 for the charity, according to an online AJ Bell Great North Run fundraising page. However, following the tragic news, over £8,000 has so far been raised for the charity as hundreds of people contribute to the cause to pay their respects to Sam.

More tributes to Sam have been shared online: “Was a pleasure to know you my friend. You never failed to make everyone smile and laugh.”

Another wrote: “You have been on my mind ever since Sunday….. will never forget.”

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