Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects to Matt Campbell on a spring evening near Troutbeck Bridge.

Matt, a semi-finalist in MasterChef: The Professionals in 2017, collapsed and died 22.5 miles into the Virgin Money London Marathon last weekend.

To honour the 29-year-old, and to help raise funds for his charity of choice, Ambleside's Brathay Trust, runners and walkers would finish the 3.7 miles that he was unable to complete.

People of all ages and backgrounds joined the event yesterday, from keen runners to young children and people in wheelchairs.

Matt's colleagues were showing unison by taking on the last miles of the Brathay Marathon in their chef's whites.

The event begun with a statement from Matt's family and a minute's silence in his memory. 

I didn't know Matt Campbell personally but as I walked the route that he had run himself while taking part in his first marathon, I couldn’t help but think about the life we were there to honour.

Despite catapulting into fame due to his talent as a chef, behind that I had been given an image of a modest and kind young man, who would always lend a hand to those in need.

Matt set out to raise £2,500 on the day of the London Marathon in memory of his father Martin.

By this point over £200,000 has been raised for the charity both the father and son cared about so deeply.

Despite his life being cut short on a day he tried to help a good cause yet again, Matt is now able to not only help countless young people but to build a lasting legacy.

It was a beautiful evening. Birds were singing from their hideouts in the ancient moss-covered trees. The waves of Windermere lapped gently to the shore. I was once again reminded that we live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.

As we made our way towards Ambleside, cars honked their horns in support, people stood outside their houses to wave at us, saying 'thank you.'

The whole community was out that evening to honour Matt. They were not paying their respects to a TV star but one of their own.