Runner dies after collapsing metres from finish of 10k race as wife and daughter cheered him on

A runner died after collapsing just metres from the finish line of a 10k race in front of his wife and daughter.

Czeslaw Dudek, 37, was given CPR in front of shocked fellow competitors at the Weybridge 10k event in Surrey today.

The dad-of-one was being cheered on by his wife Sylwia, 32, and their seven-year-old daughter when he collapsed. He died later in hospital.

Mr Dudek, a carpenter from Feltham, Middlesex, was competing in his first ever running event at the time.

Close friend Marzena Bujak told the Mirror his family had been left "shattered" by his death.

She said: "They were waiting at the finishing line for him to finish the race.

"His family were incredibly important to him. I miss him already. He was the best friend to me."

Another pal Ilo Bienkowska added: "Unfortunately, he was never able to the finish the race as he collapsed just 400m before the finish line.

"He was a loving and caring dad and husband.

"His sudden death has left his wife and 7-year-old daughter in a tragic situation and shattered their lives."

Horrified runners spoke of the tragic scene they witnessed after Mr Dudek collapsed at around 10.30am this morning.

A Nicola Tait posted: "It is with great sadness that whilst I crossed the line and received my medal at the Weybridge 10k a wife and daughter witnessed the worst thing ever."

Darby Todd, of London, posted on Facebook: "I witnessed a man die from cardiac arrest this morning at the finish line of a 10k running race in Weybridge.

"Evidently it happened in front of his wife and daughter. It's extremely sad."

Nigel McHugh said he had seen the man fighting for his life.

"We walked past the paramedics resuscitating this poor man on the way home.

"Most leave with a medal and aching legs but it's so heartbreaking that someone doesn't make it home at all."

Surrey Police confirmed officers were called to the scene at around 10.30am yesterday but there were no suspicious circumstances.

South East Coast Ambulance Service and Weybridge 10k were not available for comment.

12:58 AM