‘Strong, incredible’ Gold Coast marathon runner Camryn Lloyd fighting for life

More than $16,000 has been raised for the family of Camryn Lloyd, who collapsed during the Gold Coast Marathon over a week ago. Read the update

An Elanora dad who collapsed during the Gold Coast Marathon course is still fighting for life in hospital more than a week on.

Camryn Lloyd, 29, was one of two men who collapsed during the 42.2km event last Sunday.

The other man, 34-year-old French national Florian Galley, died in hospital last week.

Mr Lloyd remained in a critical condition in the Gold Coast University Hospital on Monday

The Elanora man had competed in the marathon to raise money for the West Bali Orphanage, a cause close to his heart after his family volunteered there last year.

He managed to raise $4000 for the orphanage.

Elanora dad Cam Lloyd with his wife Savannah. Picture: Facebook

One of Mr Lloyd’s family members, Saffron Lloyd, set up an online fundraising page after the tragedy.

The page stated the 29-year-old collapsed due to “cardiac arrest”.

More than $16,000 has been donated to Mr Lloyd’s family through the fundraiser.

Last week, Mr Lloyd’s pastor Quintin Betteridge said the devoted Christian was facing a “long journey” to recovery.

Pastor Betteridge said Mr Lloyd’s family and friends were facing a “difficult situation” but had been “strengthened by their faith”.

Camryn Lloyd with his wife Sav. Picture: Facebook

The 29-year-old and his wife Savannah have a young son together.

“They believe God is strengthening them and giving them the courage to walk this difficult journey,” Pastor Betteridge said.

“It’s not easy on the family, but they are strong, resilient individuals.”

Mr Lloyd was considered a leader at his church and known for being the first person to help if anyone in the community was struggling.

“Last year when the flooding was happening (in northern NSW), our church, along with various other churches was very involved in helping the community,” Pastor Betteridge said.

“Cam was first in and last out. He would do beyond what other volunteers would do.

“He would be in the hardest of places doing hard work - that’s the kind of man he is.

“He is a man of deep faith, a man of deep commitment and a man of service.

“The reason he is in hospital is because he put his body on the line to raise funds.

“We want to draw attention to why he did this. The orphanage is still there and they still need funding because they don’t get this from the government.

“He’s been training for a long time - it wasn’t that he just decided on Friday that he was going to run. This has been a long journey.”

Camryn Lloyd documented his training and preparation for the race on his social media. Picture: Facebook

The church community has vowed to continue supporting Mr Lloyd’s family and pray for his healing.

The 29-year-old documented his training and preparation for his first marathon on social media, describing the event as “one of the biggest races of my life”.

He wrote in one social media post the day of the marathon: “Hey God, thank you for this opportunity to run. Thank you for the body you have given me. May I honour you in this run.

“Help me stay safe and injury free. Give me power and strength. Thank you for the support and guidance.”

Elanora man Camryn Lloyd collapsed during the Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Facebook

Another post leading up to the race read: “God has given me this body and I will honour him by pushing my capabilities and achieving greatness”.

Events Management Queensland, overseeing the marathon weekend running extravaganza which attracted 24,000 entrants, said in a statement last Tuesday afternoon: “Events Management Queensland has reached out to offer support to the partner of marathon participant Camryn Lloyd who experienced a medical episode in Sunday’s Gold Coast Marathon. Our thoughts are with him, his family and friends and we are praying for Camryn’s recovery.”