The brother of the late Captain David Seath has smashed his target of running 60km (36 miles) in a day to raise money for the legacy established to support veterans in his name.
Funds raised will support veterans and their families, through Help for Heroes, the charity Captain Seath was raising funds for when he tragically died running the 2016 London Marathon, aged 31.
The gruelling ultra event on Saturday saw Gary Seath, founder of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, and his friend, Ben Waite, successfully run 12 Parkrun routes across Central Scotland, to coincide with Armed Forces Day.
Gary, 40, from Dunfermline, said: “It was tough. You cannot escape the reason why we were attempting this challenge, it was a 36 mile run so ultimately, I was aware of the degree of risk, and my parents were obviously anxious. It was a huge mental effort, but this is what training prepares you for and it gave us that real commando-style mentality.”
Starting in Cramond at 4.25am, the team was joined throughout the day as temperatures climbed by supporters and crossed the finish line in Dunfermline, the hometown of Captain David Seath, more than 17 hours later at around 9pm.
The fund has raised more than £350,000 to date which funds vital mental health services, comradeship activities, as well as supports veterans to develop employability skills and much more.
“The community spirit all day gave us such a boost, especially in the heat, we were joined by veterans, serving personnel and reservists as well as members of the public of all ages. Simon Watkinson ended up joining us for all 12 runs, which was fantastic,” said Gary who has raised £1,350 from his initial £500 goal.
“The event proved a true test of stamina, determination and commitment; all of which are core values reflected in the commando ethos that David believed in very strongly.”
Last month, Gary was named winner of the prestigious Reservist of the Year Award at the Scottish Ex-Forces in Business Awards.
He received the award in recognition of his charitable work with the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, Help for Heroes, and Forces Children Scotland, whilst also being an active member of 105th Regiment (The Scottish and Ulster Gunners) Royal Artillery.
Gary added: “We were euphoric at the finish line; we had completed an epic distance that proved demanding from a physical, emotional, and psychological perspective.
“It proved poignant to bring members of the Armed Forces community together and to raise awareness of the help that is available on their doorstep – ultimately, funds raised through this challenge help make these services available to those who need a little extra support.”
Donations can be made at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cdsmf-60kchallenge