- Robert Berry was running the marathon for National Osteoporosis Society
- His mother Ann, 72, was diagnosed with osteoporosis 20 years ago
- Mr Berry collapsed at the finish line of the London Marathon on Sunday
- He was a keen runner expected to finish in under three hours, 20 minutes
- But he blogged about problems with his breathing in the lead-up to the run
- Donations have already been made on his JustGiving page in tribute
A keen runner who collapsed and died at the finishing line of the London Marathon had spoke of his breathing difficulties the week before the race.
Robert Berry, 42, was given medical attention immediately after finishing the race but was pronounced dead at hospital yesterday.
Mr Berry, from Newbury, West Berkshire, was an experienced runner who kept a detailed blog about his training in the lead up to the race.
On May 6, he wrote about having to use his inhaler three times in a week, when he usually only need it three times a year.
He wrote: 'I have now used my inhaler 3 times in the last week whereas I might use it 3 times in year.
Today started out very slow and breathing a big struggle but it got much better as the run went on and I finished 12.5 miles feeling strong. Last week before the Marathon.'
Earlier that week he wrote that his breathing was 'still not too good'.
He wrote: 'Yesterday I did a gentle 5 miles as my breathing still not too good and knees a little achy.
'Today on the other hand my eyes were itching, nose running and breathing a big struggle, also in the office all day after the gym.
'Was talking to Nicola from the National Osteoporsis Society via email and she seems to think this is not hay fever but due to pollution and the dust from the Sahara. Hope so as I don't want to be running like this during the Marathon.'
Mr Berry, who leaves behind wife Gwen, was running the race to raise money for the National Osteoporosis Society after his mother Ann, 72, who was diagnosed with osteoporosis 20 years ago.
Tragic: Robert Berry, 42, collapsed at the finish line of the London Marathon and was later pronounced dead at hospital
Mr Berry wrote on his fundraising page: 'I'm running the London Marathon in support of the National Osteoporosis Society for the support given to my mother who was diagnosed with Osteoporosis at the age of 52 but whose current condition (we found out later) was triggered from a lifting incident at the age of 47.
'Because of the stress on her lower back, two sets of bones in her lower spine collapsed.'
In a touching message on his own website, he added: 'This page is dedicated to my mum, who despite being diagnosed with Osteoporosis at the relatively early age of 52 years, has been an inspiration through the continued positive outlook she has displayed ever since, despite some quite clear discomfort.'
Fundraising: Robert Berry, pictured at the Windsor Half Marathon in September, was running the Marathon to raise funds for the National Osteoporosis Society after his mother was diagnosed with the condition
Finish line: Runners at The Mall after competing in the London Marathon
He had completed a half marathon in an hour and 30 minutes in September last year and achieved a time of two hours, 36 minutes and 53 seconds at a 21-mile event in March. He was expected to complete the Marathon in under three hours and 20 minutes.
Tributes and donations began pouring in after news of his death broke.
The total amount raised at 7pm on Monday stood at almost £3000 - with the number of donations doubling from 65 to 130 in the hour since his death was announced.
Mark Jameson, who also ran in yesterday's race, donated £10 and wrote: 'God bless you Rob. Your family must be so proud of you, raising money to help your Mum and others. So sorry it had to end in this way. R.I.P.'
One anonymous donor added: 'I didn't know you but am so sad you gave your life doing such a wonderful thing. God bless you.'
Another read: 'In memory of Mr Berry (RIP). You gave your life trying to do good for others.'
A statement from race organiser Virgin Money said: 'It is with regret that we can now confirm that Mr Robert Berry, aged 42, collapsed at the finish of the London Marathon.
'He was immediately taken to one of our medical facilities where he was treated by four consultants, including one in emergency medicine.
Experienced: Mr Berry had run numerous races in preparation for the Marathon and was expected to complete it in under three hours and 20 minutes
Support: Mr Berry reached his fundraising target of £1,700 for the brittle bone charity
'He was transferred to St Mary's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
'The organisers of the Virgin Money London Marathon would like to continue to express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Berry and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with them all at this difficult time.
'Overall it was a fantastic day, but it always is tinged with a little bit of sadness when something like that happens.'
Meanwhile, an elite runner from Sierra Leone who went missing after finishing the women's race in 20th place is still missing.
Scotland Yard launched an appeal to find Mami Konneh Lahun, 24, when she did not return to her temporary accommodation in Greenwich where she had been staying since arriving in the UK on April 7.
Police said earlier that she had been found in Greenwich, but later re-issued an appeal.
An estimated 36,000 people took part in yesterday's race, the 34th London Marathon, from elite athletes to fun-runners raising money for charities.
More than 1,200 volunteers from St John Ambulance lined the streets and medical staff advised runners to take on plenty of water and keep well hydrated as the race got under way under near-cloudless skies.
Tributes: Donations started flooding into Mr Berry's JustGiving page on Monday
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