The girlfriend of an architect, who died while running a half marathon for charity, has described him as a ‘unique person who grabbed every opportunity’.

James Phillips, 27, from Battersea, collapsed while running the Adidas Run Reigate Half Marathon on the morning of Sunday, September 21. He suffered a cardiac arrest just 200m from the finish line in Priory Park.

Wandsworth Times:

Mr Phillips travelled the world 

He had been running with his girlfriend, Fiona Barnes, 27, in a group of 40 friends.

Mr Phillips was raising money for the Patrick Evans Foundation - a charity set up in memory of a 21-year-old man who died during a skiing tragedy in the French Alps while on holiday with his family in 2009.

Mr Phillips, a Kingston University graduate, lived in Battersea but was originally from Denham, Buckinghamshire, where his family home is.

He worked as an architect, for Make Architects, and travelled the world with his girlfriend in 2011.

Friends described him as warm and kind, with a fun-loving attitude to life.

His girlfriend, Miss Barnes, said: “We travelled the world together and created so many amazing memories.

“We sky-dived, he bungee jumped and we trekked the Inca Trail. He made me face my fears by snorkelling off the Great Barrier Reef.

“He loved being with family and friends and made life fuller for everyone. He loved living so much and was a unique person. I feel lucky to have shared so much time with him and will hold him in my heart forever.

“His family are so proud of him. He saw more places and experienced more in the last five years than most people do in a lifetime. He grabbed every opportunity with both hands and will be deeply missed by so many.

“The brightest star will shine on even the darkest of nights.”

Mr Phillips was taken to East Surrey Hospital, in Redhill, but was pronounced dead a short time later.

The Patrick Evans Foundation was set up to create sporting opportunities for young people and promote awareness of safety in sporting activities.

It also helps those suffering with illness and disease and supports people dealing with bereavement and loss.

If you wish to make a donation visit: http://www.patrickevansfoundation.co.uk/