Mr Radcliffe, a former chairman of England Athletics, was being cared for in the Radnor ward at Salisbury District Hospital in the United Kingdom.

In a tribute to her dad, published on Instagram Radcliffe wrote: "Yesterday I lost the best dad anyone could ever wish for. 

"The kindest, wisest, most patient and brave man who leaves behind so many people who loved him so much and whose lives he enriched.

"He and my mum gave us everything we ever needed and so much fun and love. 

"He was always there for me and the guidance and outlook on life he gave me will ensure he is forever with me. 

"Everyone who knew him was better off for it. 

"Thank you Dad, you will always be in our hearts and thoughts. 

"Love you forever. 

"Heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the wonderful doctors and nurses of the Radnor ward at Salisbury District Hospital who cared for him with such warmth and compassion. 

"And to all those selflessly working so hard to save lives everywhere."

Radcliffe set two marathon world records - at the 2002 Chicago Marathon with a time of 2hrs 17min 18 secs, before lowering the mark at the London Marathon the following year when she triumphed in a time of 2:15.25.

Radcliffe won gold in the women's marathon at the 2005 World Athletics Championships in Helsinki, with the British athlete finishing 23rd in the Olympic marathon at Beijing 2008.