A team of Captain David Seath’s friends and former Army colleagues have completed the 2017 London Marathon, raising over £6000 in support of The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund.
Captain David Seath tragically died running the 2016 London Marathon in support of the charity Help for Heroes. As a mark of respect, the team elected to wear the same colours worn by Captain Seath as well as a specially made commemorative black ribbon.
Many within the team met Captain David Seath at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where strong bonds of friendship were formed throughout a gruelling year of Army Officer training.
Alex Davis, who trained to be an Army Officer with Captain Seath at Sandhurst, said:
“Dave was a great friend and colleague of mine. His companionship through the best and worst of times has helped shape the man I am today. I miss him dearly. After his death a Help for Heroes fund was set up in Dave’s name – The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund. The fund was started by Dave’s brother Gary and I wished to continue Dave and Gary’s great work by raising funds for this worthwhile cause.”
Alex ran alongside David Jones throughout the London Marathon, who also attended Sandhurst with Captain Seath.
David said:
“The physical battle is obvious but mentally it was pretty tiring, particularly near the end. It took us over our sub-4 hour target but it was far more important that we finished it together. Dave would have taken huge amusement from the faces that Alex pulled in those final few miles.”
Many within the team spoke about the poignant moment approaching the 23 mile mark on Upper Thames Street, where Captain David Seath collapsed last year having experienced a cardiac arrest.
Angela Fewster-Neale said:
“It was an incredibly emotional day for me and I almost broke close to the end, but memories of Dave gave a huge sense of purpose and determination to succeed.”
Anna and Bill Campbell served in Afghanistan alongside Captain Seath in 19th Regiment Royal Artillery as part of Operation Herrick 16, who said:
“It’s been such an honour to run for Dave today. It was really quite emotional. It’s been a privilege to be a part of this, to raise money for this amazing cause and to honour Dave’s memory. Ubique.”
The team’s incredible fundraising will support David’s legacy through The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, which provides financial support to wounded, injured and sick personnel and veterans through Help for Heroes.
A year on, over £270,000 has been raised by The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund and one hundred and seventy-five financial grants have been awarded to beneficiaries who have encountered physical and psychological trauma in service of their country.
Beneficiaries have used the funds to purchase specialist rehabilitation equipment, enable respite care, PTSD therapy and facilitate supported employment placements and the setting up of small businesses.
Gary Seath, Founder of The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, said:
“It’s very important to recognise the incredible bravery, dedication and commitment our group of inspirational people have shown in support David’s legacy. I have no doubt that making the poignant trip in retracing David’s steps was incredibly emotional and we can’t thank them all enough for raising such an exceptional amount of money in support of The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund.”