The family of a young woman who died while competing in the London Marathon described her today as "an incredible, inspirational, beautiful and driven person".

Claire Squires, 30, collapsed in Birdcage Walk, near St James's Park, on the final stretch of the 26.2-mile course on Sunday.

Almost £400,000 has been donated to her JustGiving fundraising page. She was raising money for the Samaritans charity, reportedly following the death of her brother Grant from an overdose in 2001.

Claire Squires was described as "an incredible, inspirational, beautiful and driven person"

More than £300,000 has been donated to her JustGiving fundraising page

The family said in a statement today: "Words cannot explain what an incredible, inspirational, beautiful and driven person
she was. She was loved by so many and is dearly missed by all of us."

They urged people to continue making donations.

In the statement the family said Claire would have been overwhelmed by the support offered by thousands of people from around the world.

They said: "On behalf of Claire's family and all those who knew and loved her - we would like to say thank you so much for everyone's support.

"Claire would be so happy and overwhelmed with the incredible support that has been offered by thousands of people from all over the world.

"Her family appreciate the kind messages posted online very much.

"Words cannot explain what an incredible, inspirational, beautiful and driven person she was. She was loved by so many and is dearly missed by all of us.

"For Claire and the Samaritans, please keep the donations coming.

"Don't stop giving, just like her. It's what she would have wanted."