Runner had complained breathing was a 'big struggle'

A runner who died after collapsing at the finish line of the London Marathon had complained of breathing difficulties during his training for the race.

Robert Berry said breathing was a "big struggle" in the weeks leading up to the event in a blog on his website, and suggested that high pollution levels and the Sahara dust could have contributed to his troubles.

"What a nightmare this morning was. 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," the 42-year-old wrote.

"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."

Donations for the 42-year-old's charity, the National Osteoporosis Society, have topped £35,000 since he was named by organisers.