A tragic Fife soldier who died while running the London Marathon is “literally changing lives”.
A champagne afternoon tea was organised by Captain David Seath’s family to mark his love of friends and family as well as the ceremonial aspects of military life, where his reputation as the life and soul of any party was legendary.
In the process they raised more than £2000 in support of The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, set up after his untimely death earlier this year.
It brings the total raised to almost £240,000 since the army captain, originally from Cowdenbeath, died in April as he was running in support of wounded, injured and sick personnel and veterans through the charity Help for Heroes.
David’s mother Libby provided a moving testimonial about his early life and as an officer in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.
“We have been overwhelmed by the ongoing support and generosity of not just our friends, colleagues and family but from people, worldwide who have been moved to support David’s cause,” she said.
“David lived life to the full. He made the best of every opportunity offered.
“He loved people and invested in them and as a result, he has left an amazing legacy and we will continue to do all we can to support wounded, injured and sick personnel and veterans, to give them the highest quality of life and a real sense of wellbeing.”
Mrs Seath also praised the work of her other son, Gary who has galvanised both the family’s and the public’s fundraising under the memorial fund, which fundraises in support of Help for Heroes.
Gary, who also lives in Fife, gave an update on the “fantastic difference” that has been made thanks to funds raised in David’s memory so far.
“The ability to understand, react and respond quickly is essential to the Commando mindset.
“As an officer in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery we saw the synergy between David’s role in the army and the Help for Heroes’ quick reaction fund which provides immediate financial grants to wounded, injured and sick personnel and veterans.
“Since David’s tragic death, the fundraising in support of his fund has been incredible and I was delighted to inform our guests that so far the monies raised have provided 154 financial grants including specialist adaptive equipment.
“We are fortunate to have been in contact with some of the grant recipients and hearing how their lives are instantly improved makes it all worthwhile.”
Alistair Lockhart, director of fundraising at Help for Heroes, said his family’s continued fundraising is “literally helping to transform lives”.
