£70,000 raised for Fife solider who died after Marathon

Over £70,000 has been raised in memory of an Afghanistan veteran who died after collapsing during the London Marathon.

L-R: Captain David Seath, Captain James Walker-McClimens and Capt Aaron Foster Picture: PA

Captain David Seath, from Cowdenbeath in Fife, was a fire support team commander in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, and was running the marathon to raise money for Help for Heros, a charity to support veterans.

The 31-year-old suffered a suspected cardiac arrest while running the 26.2-mile course on Sunday. He leaves behind his parents Libby and Pete, brother Gary and girlfriend Gaby Judd.

Captain James Walker-McClimens of the 7th Parachute Royal Horse Artillery set up the JustGiving page in his memory.

Captain Seath, a fire support team commander in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, suffered a suspected cardiac arrest while running the 26.2 mile course on Sunday Picture: MoD

Having served with Capt Seath in the 19th Regiment The Royal Artillery The Highland Gunners in Tidworth, they then went on tour together to Afghanistan in 2012, returning at the same time.

“We have stayed in touch ever since, he was at my wedding last year,” said Capt Walker-McClimens.

“He was the greatest type of guy you could imagine - everyone loved him. He was funny, outgoing, generous – he was just not a bad guy in any way shape or form.”

Capt Walker-McClimens said those who are finishing the course for him are all fit, but that it is “more fitting” for them to be together when they do it, and will walk the remaining distance instead of running.

Captain Seath, a fire support team commander in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, suffered a suspected cardiac arrest while running the 26.2 mile course on Sunday Picture: MoD

Capt Seath, who was based in Plymouth, completed two master’s degrees at the University of Aberdeen before joining the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2009.

Lieutenant Colonel Jon Cresswell, Commanding Officer of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, added: “Dave was an outstanding commando officer, a natural leader and a true gentleman.”

The Just Giving page stated: “Today we heard the tragic news that our friend Dave Seath passed away whilst taking part in the 2016 Virgin Money London Marathon.

“He was three miles short of the finish line and collapsed on Upper Thames Street. His friends and colleagues are planning to complete what he started, in his honour. We will walk as one, the final three miles of the marathon, starting where he fell.

“We’re raising money for Help for Heroes, a cause he ran and died for. He was our friend and hero. Please share this page far and wide.”

His mother Libby Seath said: “David has achieved more in 31 years than most people do in 70. He lived his life on the edge and to the full. He was running to raise money for Help For Heroes, a cause which was very important to him.”

DOWNLOAD THE SCOTSMAN APP ON ITUNES OR GOOGLE PLAY