Cardiff marathon runner who died at finish line named as Nick Beckley
7 October 2019, 14:45
A runner who died after crossing the finish line of the Cardiff half-marathon has been named as 35-year-old Nick Beckley.
Mr Beckley suffered a cardiac arrest at the finishing line and received immediate attention.
But despite being rushed to hospital to receive emergency medical treatment, he passed away shortly afterwards.
The senior planner for Cardiff Council had previously run the race twice before and regularly played football for Cardiff club Cosmopolitan FC.
He was originally from Devon and lived in Cardiff with his girlfriend Natalie.
Nick’s brother, Andrew Beckley, described him as “a true Gentleman who will be sorely missed and always loved by all”. He also provided the following tribute to his brother.
Yesterday we lost one of our own. Nick Beckley will forever be known for his kindnesses, energetic spirit and love for his family and friends
— Cosmopolitan FC (@Cosmopolitan_fc) October 7, 2019
Today and everyday going forward we send our love to his family and friends
A truly wonderful man, friend, and brother
Rest in peace pic.twitter.com/5uzWN4SyCq
He added: "Although extremely proud to be from Devon and a country boy at heart, Nick was hugely passionate about Cardiff and saw it as his home.
“Above all, Nick was a family man. He is the much loved son of Marilyn and Geoff, brother to Andy and Chris, boyfriend to Natalie and uncle to Leo and Isaac.
"Nick enjoyed travelling and both he and Natalie visited many countries together over the past few years.”
Matt Newman, chief executive of Run 4 Wales, said: “The thoughts of everyone connected with the race are with Nick’s family and friends at this difficult time.
"The medical team and emergency services reacted with great speed and professionalism to his collapse on the finish and he received specialist medical care within a minute of finishing.
“We will remain in close contact with the family and will continue to support them in every way we can.”Cardiff council's leader Huw Thomas said:
“I was desperately sorry to hear the news of Nick’s death.
"He was one of our own; a valued friend to his colleagues, and a rising star in the council’s Planning Department.
"He will be sorely missed in County Hall, and I know we all send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Mr Beckley's family are now raising in his memory to donate to mental health charity Mind. If you would like to donate, please click here.
