The family and friends of a Ramsgate man have donated thousands of pounds to charity in his name after he collapsed at the finish line of the Dublin marathon.

Ricki Savage, 27, was taken to hospital after suffering a suspected heart attack at the race on Monday and he died on Wednesday.

Mr Savage, a member of Thanet Roadrunners athletics club, had been raising money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in the first marathon he had taken part in, one of more than 14,000 runners in the event.

After his collapse he was treated by a St John’s Ambulance medical crew and then taken to St Vincent’s Hospital where his family flew to Ireland to be at his bedside.

BHF fundraising director Louise Parkes said: “We are very sorry to hear a man has died after taking part in a marathon on behalf of the BHF.

“Our deepest sympathies are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Donations have flooded in on Mr Savage’s Just Giving page, which has a current total of nearly £6,500, including many from fellow Dublin marathon runners. Many friends have written warm tributes along with their donations.

These include:

Rick, for all those great times, many laughs and football prowess. You will be missed greatly by everyone, will never forget all the memories.

Mark and Abigail

Thanks for being such a kind & caring friend. Feel very lucky to have so many happy memories from over the years & our times in Ramsgate & Canterbury so recently. Will always remember you. RIP xx

Max & Kate

"It is a pleasure to have known you. Such a caring and funny person. It’s been a long time since I see you but have never and never will forget you" - Charlotte Wiles

Ricki, we’re going to miss you mate but will never forget you. All our love and thoughts are with you, your family and friends.

Ben, Gemma & Austin

RIP Ricki It is a pleasure to have known you. Such a caring and funny person. It’s been a long time since I see you but have never and never will forget you. Xxx

Charlotte Jade Wiles

Such sad news. Ricki I will always remember the fun we had camping together and will always remember you laughter and kindness

Claire

So proud for what you have done, what you are still doing and to have known you. We cannot comprehend the injustice of this heartbreaking tragedy. All our love. God bless xxxxx

Leila & Lee

It was a great privilege to have know you, you were a truly genuine person, you always had time for a smile and chat. You will be greatly missed, our deepest sympathy go out to your family. XXX

Pete and Val Hudson

The most genuine, nicest person anyone could have met and I am honored to have known you. RIP Ricki, you have been taken from us too soon and we shall all miss you xxx

Jenny Hudson-Goodwin