Friends, colleagues and family have rallied round after the tragic death of a father in the Brentwood Half Marathon on Sunday, to raise over �35,000 for charity in his memory - in just one day.

Andrew Corbett, 41, from Park Avenue, Hutton, died from asthma-related acute heart failure after crossing the finish line at around 11.50am. He was treated at the scene, but was pronounced dead after being taken to Queen’s Hospital.

Mr Corbett, originally from Romford, leaves behind Tessa, his wife of 11 years, as well as two young children Natasha, nine, and Johnny, six. He was one of nine brothers and sisters, and was born in Park Drive to parents Anne and Mick.

His older brother Joe, said: “The family have been incredibly touched by the generosity. At the time of writing, donations to our selected charity have exceeded �30,000 in less than 24 hours, which proves what a fantastic bloke he was.”

The money is going towards Little Havens Hopsice who care for children with life limiting illnesses. Joe said: “He was a bloke to turn in a tight spot and we think that this charity’s work would touch him.”

The lifelong West Ham fan worked in finance, having started his career as a journalist, and is one of only a few people to win a 20-year long service award at Merrill Lynch. He moved on to Mitsubishi Securities after 23 years there.

After Mr Corbett collapsed, Father James Mackay from Brentwood Cathedral, who had just completed the race himself, read him his last rites.

In a message to the Recorder his family said: “We would like to thank the emergency services personnel for their efforts, and the staff at Queens Hospital for their support.”

The organisers of the half marathon have pledged that they will donate to the charity in memory of Mr Corbett.

Readers wishing to add to the phenomenal total can donate by visiting: www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Mumfy-Corbett, where dozens of heartfelt tributes have been left to him.

His funeral church service will take place at the St Joseph the Worker Church, Highview Crescent, Hutton on April 1.