Updated on
A family from Dunfermline who have devoted the last ten years to raising hundreds of thousands of pounds to support veterans across Scotland have made a fresh appeal for local people to show their support.
The family of Captain David Seath, who tragically died in 2016 whilst participating in the London Marathon to support Help for Heroes, are hoping that local supporters and businesses will come together to make this year’s 5k event at Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline, on Sunday 26 April, the most memorable one yet.
To date, David’s family and friends have raised over £350,000 to support Scottish veterans. Gary Seath, Founder of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, who is David’s older brother, has said that they would love to reach £400,000 this year.
Gary said, “We would love to get as many attendees as possible to take part in the 5k event this year. It’s an occasion for people of all ages and abilities. People can run, jog, pram-push, cycle and walk the circuit.
We know it's made a real difference to Scottish veterans."
Founder of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund
"The event welcomes families, groups of friends and colleagues, the armed forces and veteran community: it would be great if local businesses could enter teams, to show their support for our veterans.
“This is going to be a very emotional time for me and my family. Our world was shattered when David died. Ten years on, being able to support a cause that was so important to him has helped us to honour his memory, and we know it’s made a real difference to veterans across Scotland.”
David served with distinction in Afghanistan with 19 Regiment Royal Artillery, who later earned the coveted green beret to serve with 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery. He was inspired to run in support of the Charity, having seen the incredible work undertaken to support veterans overcome life-changing physical and psychological wounds. He had a cardiac arrest three miles short of the finish line whilst taking part in the 2016 London Marathon.
Gary added, “It was so important to our family that we embodied the commando ethos when David died.
“The support of local people and beyond for our family has been amazing over the last ten years and I wish to express my heartfelt and sincere thanks to everyone who has attended our events or fundraised in their own way. We know that David’s legacy will live on through the hundreds of veterans who have been supported over the years. It would mean so much to us if we could achieve our target this year.”
The incredible courage, determination and resilience of Libby, Pete and Gary was and remains humbling".
Founding Member - Help for Heroes
Mark Elliott, formerly a Grenadier Guard, is a founding member of the Charity and said, “I remember getting the news of David’s passing like it was yesterday. The incredible courage, determination and resilience of Libby, Pete and Gary was and remains humbling. The fund established in David’s name has helped so many veterans across Scotland.
"We can’t thank them enough – they’ve turned their tragedy into something positive for others. The demand for our services continues to grow and without inspirational supporters like the Libby, Pete and Gary, we wouldn’t be able to reach as many people. Thank you”.
David Dent is an army veteran who lives in Lanarkshire and who is an Ambassador for the Charity. He suffered a blast injury in Bosnia in 1994, and a back injury on operations, leading to him leaving service in 2000. He said, “I know from personal experience how valuable the support of the Charity is. It’s helped me to deal with mental and physical impact of my injuries and build myself a new life. I’m so grateful to the Seath family for everything they’ve done, to support veterans like me.”