The highly popular Captain David Seath Memorial Fund Quiz returned to the Garvock House Hotel, Dunfermline on Friday 14 November.
Supported by over 130 attendees, the event, renowned for its engaging format, mixing up music audio, picture rounds and questions focused on recent events, as well as musical entertainment, also generated a record fundraising amount.
An incredible £2000 was raised through a mix of attendance, a prize raffle, donations and generous sponsorship from Incontri Italian Restaurant: all of which continues to support veterans and their families, through Help for Heroes, in David’s name.
As an Officer in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, Captain Seath was deeply passionate in supporting the wellbeing of men and women under his command. He was equally inspired to do all he could to support those returning from life-changing physical and psychological wounds through a number of armed forces charities.
Ultimately, that passion led to running the London Marathon in 2016, in support of Help for Heroes, where he tragically died 3.2 miles short of the finish line. Since then, over £350,000.00 has been raised in his name continuing to meet a diverse range of needs from the armed forces community.
Founder of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, Gary Seath, said: “First and foremost, I want to offer my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, as well as those who supported the event in other ways, through donations and generous sponsorship from Inctonri Italian Restaurant.
“The funds raised through this event are vital – last year alone, funds raised by the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund helped to meet a 36% increase in calls for support from the armed forces community across Scotland, for services delivered by Help for Heroes.
“This led to delivery of 600 positive actions across the year. From ensuring veterans can access support assisting in recovery and rehabilitation, reducing isolation and loneliness, providing employability and skills training to family grants, mental health services, and much more.
“There are circa 15,000 men and women leaving the armed forces every year. For some, the decision to leave the armed forces is made voluntarily. For others, it’s a decision they have no control over; like the 2000 personnel medically discharged each year – equating to five a day.
“According to MOD data, the average age someone leaving the armed forces now is 31. We are seeing emerging numbers of younger veterans requiring wider, more complex and tailored approaches to making successful transitions to civilian life.
“What’s special about what we do at the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, together with Help for Heroes, is that we have established an incredible community committed to making Scotland a place where ‘every veteran feels even more valued, supported, empowered and never disadvantaged as a result of their service.’
The quiz is attended by many with personal links to Captain Seath, the armed forces community or by those who simply want to support worthy local causes.
Steven Williams previously served with the Royal Regiment of Scotland, who has supported several quiz events delivered by the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, said: “Given Remembrance Week, the event provides a great way to have a laugh, to be around a community supporting veterans and their families to round up what proves a very emotional week.
“I think Gary and the family make it special, and very personal about that selfless commitment, sacrifice, and why David chose to run the London Marathon in the first place. So, it’s quite emotive and it’s just quite heartwarming – I never knew David, I work in the forces community, but I feel Gary has made a real impact, and I want to support him and his family.
“This local cause means so much to lots of people – it’s not about flagship taglines; it’s about the personal approach. It’s emotional – David lost his life doing what he felt was best. Having given my own selfless commitment, coming tonight is a small token back to keeping the veterans community alive.”
Gill Hunter has worked with members of the armed forces community through the Ministry of Defence who has attended several quiz events with her family said: “So, I think there’s a few things that make it special. Whilst I didn’t know, David’s, I think the doing this in his memory and for, the cause and for those to, living and, struggling, as, veterans as, is something that’s really important to support, but I would imagine that he, he would be very proud of Gary and all those involved to making, tonight such a great success. But especially the phenomenal amounts of money that they’re raising for the cause. So, it’s, it’s special and lots of levels
“It’s very humbling, I think that those who are willing to put on a uniform, represent their countries, both in military terms, and also in terms of first responders policing, are phenomenal. and I just wish I had I think an ounce of their bravery. So, to still to be able to come to a quiz have a nice time and walk away at the end of the night. I’m very, very I’m thankful for being in that position, but I’m the more thankful for those who this money is going to support. And they’re so deserving of the funds already raised.”
Over twenty quiz teams participated in this year’s event and there were many impressive scores recorded on the night. It was ‘Trivia Newton John’ who emerged victorious, pipping defending champions, ‘The Dirty Ranchers’, by just two two points.
Felicity Johnston was part of the winning team on the night. Participating in many fundraising initiatives in support of David’s legacy during her time with 1145 Air Cadet Training Squadron which he attended in the late 1990’s, Felicity said: “We made sure that we put this one in the diary because we love a quiz and it’s a charity that is close to our hearts. I think it is really amazing that we’re coming together to support veterans. I feel like a lot of the time they maybe get overlooked or forgotten about. And I think that, you know, they are a massive part of the country, and they need to be helped through whatever they’re going through, after serving their country.”
The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund 5K run/walk and quiz fundraising events will return in April and November next year as the cause commemorates ten years of supporting veterans and their families through Help for Heroes.