Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

The family of a mountain runner from Haywards Heath who died during a run in Scotland are launching a grant scheme in his name.

The Chris Smith Memorial Fund will give grants to aspiring athletes from all walks of life to help them fulfil their potential.

It will have a particular focus on hill running.

Team GB fell runner Chris, 43, died from hypothermia despite careful planning when the weather on an afternoon run in the hills of Glen Lyon, Perthshire, turned deadly on October 27 last year.

Chris and Lindsay Smith. Picture: Lindsay Smith

An inquest at Crawley Coroner’s Court was told that driving sleet, reduced visibility and a wind chill of -11 caused Chris to become disorientated and assistant coroner for West Sussex Robert Simpson concluded his death was an accident caused by adverse weather conditions.

“We launched a fundraiser back in November just after Chris died,” said his wife Lindsay, who lives in Haywards Heath

The TotalGiving page will now become a charitable trust, she said, helping talented athletes cover the costs of running kit, training camps and travel to remote races.

The aim is to remove any barriers that could prevent runners from competing at a high level, she added.

”Were looking at a few hundred pounds per person most likely,” Lindsay said.

The original fundraiser at www.totalgiving.co.uk has raised more than £19,000 so far excluding gift aid.

”It’s absolutely brilliant,” said Lindsay, adding that the total with gift aid is nearly £23,000.

“We’re absolutely thrilled with it as it’s way beyond what we ever thought we would get.”

Family of Haywards Heath fell runner who died from hypothermia launch grant scheme for athletes