A funding appeal has been set up to pay the cost of a funeral for a dad who collapsed and died during a parkrun at the Forest Rec last month.
Collins Epetuku became ill during the event in Nottingham on March 19 and was helped by other runners and run volunteers.
Ambulance crews arrived soon afterwards and took him to the Queen’s Medical Centre, but he was pronounced dead by medics.
A Go Fund Me page has now been set up by one of his relatives, Onome, who wrote: “We appreciate how hard you worked to make us feel comfortable and we will forever love and cherish you.
“Your friends remember you for your selflessness and one who will always inconvenience himself to please others.
“You were the first to offer a helping hand to anyone in difficulty at whatever cost.
“You were resolute in your beliefs and cherished your friends.
“While we feel devastated about your loss, we take comfort in all the kind words from all who knew you and the principles you stood for.”
By Tuesday afternoon £225 had been raised towards a total goal of £9,500.
One person who had dontated, Lesley Pymm, wrote: “Such a sad loss, love and prayers to all the family from a fellow parkrunner from Perry Hall.”
The 5k free run is held every Saturday morning at 9am at the rec.
Organisers wrote on the event’s Facebook page at the time: “Several parkrunners attempted to resuscitate him, as did an ambulance crew. However we are very sorry to have to report the sad news that all efforts were unsuccessful.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with friends and family for their loss.
“We would also like to acknowledge and thank all those who assisted.”
Notts Police said they were also called but the death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be handed to the coroner.
