The wife of a 37-year-old Feltham man who died after collapsing during a 10k race in Surrey at the weekend has paid tribute to a "very loving and kind dad".
Czeslaw Dudek was just metres away from the finishing line of the Weybridge 10k, when he collapsed on the morning of Sunday, March 5.
The father-of-one received emergency medical treatment at the scene, but was pronounced dead on his arrival to hospital.
Speaking to getwestlondon , his wife, Sylwia Dudek, said: "It was such a sudden death and such a shock to us that something like that could happen and that we just really miss him already.
"He was a very loving and kind dad."
A fundraising page set up for the family has exceeded £11,600 in donations in just three days.
An original target of £5,000 has now been increased to £15,000 and almost 500 people have donated to the page which was created by friend, Ilo Bienkowska, in support of Mr Dudek's family.
Posting to the page, Sylwia said: "Thanks everybody for your kind words and support.
"Truly missing him so much already. He was in fit and healthy condition, just can't explain why this happened to our happy family."
Close friend of the family, Marzena Bujak, told getwestlondon that it has been a massive shock, but expressed thanks on behalf of the family for the donations.
She said: "We really, really appreciate everyone's help and we just wanted to thank every person, we want to thank everyone in person but it's not going to be possible, so we just want to thank everyone for their kindness."
Neighbours have spoken of a "nice, genuine, friendly guy" and say they are also in "total shock."
Contributions to the fundraising page can be made here .
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