Unbelievably good, yet founded on profound sadness.

At the week end in the London Marathon a young lady collapsed and died one bend before the finish. She was the first woman to die in the event's history making it noteworthy, incredibly sad, but not fantastic.

What has made it fantastic is the response of the general public and something that restores one's faith in human kindness.

The lady was Claire Squires. She was 30 years old, running in memory of her brother who died of an drug overdose and was looking to raise money for the Samaritans.

Last year she had trekked Kilimanjaro raising £1,430 pounds for the RAF Association and this time she had pledges for £330 on her Claire Squires JustGiving site as she ran the race.

At the time of writing this blog that figure is now £315,000 and climbing.What makes it special is that it is made up of pages and pages of modest donations from people touched by the story. People who have made the effort to give something in recognition of this tradegy and ensured that her memory and intent will live on.

As I said itis incredibly sad that Claire should die, but something wonderful has been triggered both in the kindness of people's hearts and in the power of technology.

Social media is often berated for its impact on individuals and society, but in this instance it has been a catalyst for an outpouring sympathy and action. That action is itself aided by technology in the form of the JustGiving site, a place that makes it easy for people to donate, even modest sums, to specific fund raising activities.

I wonder if the result would have been the same even 10 years ago. Of course the news would have evoked sorrow, but it would have been slower and more transient and while some additional donations might have been made, I doubt it would have been on this scale.

Listening to a lady from the Samaritans on TV earlier they are planning to put the money raised into a specific fund and then discuss with Claire's parents how best it should be applied. This seem entirely appropriate and will be worthy legacy.

My thoughts are with the family at this devastating time. I am also reminded how kind and generous people can be, even in these difficult economic times.