This year marks ten years since the tragic passing of Captain David Seath. In this series of website articles, his family share their reflections on his legacy and all that has been achieved. Claire Louise Sykes, David’s cousin, reflects on the growth and impact of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund—established in his memory—which has spent the past decade supporting veterans through Help for Heroes, creating a lasting legacy that honours his life, values and service.
Tell us about your relationship to David – tell us more about him and any specific memories you’d like to share.
David is my cousin on my mum’s side, and despite spending most of my life growing up away from Scotland, whenever we returned home during the school holidays, he had a way of making it feel like no time had passed at all.
We didn’t get the opportunity to truly know one another deeply, but he always made me smile. His grin was infectious, matched only by his vibrant, vivacious way of life. Whenever we did get the chance to spend time together, I always felt completely at home.
David was full of adventure, but he never lost sight of what mattered most—his family and the people who loved him. One memory that always stands out is when my sister and I visited him at Aberdeen University during one of our trips back to Scotland. He was so proud to show us around where he was studying—and, of course, the “gifts” he’d collected on his uni nights out, including a few roadwork signs decorating his room and shared flat.
He had such a cheeky, mischievous side, and that day I remember seeing the sparkle in his eyes as he told us stories of his antics with friends. I couldn’t help but admire his courage to test limits and push boundaries—it’s no surprise he went on to thrive in a career in the Army.
David remains such a vital part of our family. I’ll always wish I’d had the chance to know him better, but I will forever treasure the memories I do have.
This year, we’re marking ten years of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund – what are your reflections on all that’s been achieved in supporting veterans and their families in David’s name, through Help for Heroes?
Witnessing the growth of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund has been truly inspiring. I am incredibly proud of my cousin—and David’s brother—Gary, who has poured his heart and soul into preserving David’s memory through such meaningful charitable work.
David’s parents, Libby and Pete, have also been a constant and powerful presence in the development of the fund. Their strength and resilience in keeping David’s memory alive is deeply admirable.
When you reflect on everything that has been achieved and raised over the past ten years, it is nothing short of remarkable. I know David would be immensely proud to see the impact being made, particularly in supporting the recovery journeys of fellow veterans through Help for Heroes and the CDSMF.
We’ve established a massive fundraising community in that time – tell us about fundraising you’ve been involved in.
Before moving to Scotland in 2017, my parents, sister and husband were always active in fundraising while living in Australia. We took part in events like the Colour Run and even organised our own version of the annual 5K run held at the end of April.
Since relocating to Scotland, my husband and I have been involved in nearly all the fundraising events held in David’s name. It means so much to us to represent the Australian side of the family here in Scotland, standing alongside everyone who continues to honour him.
What’s your message to encourage people to come along to Pittencrieff Park to support our 5K Run/Walk event on Sunday 26 April?
David was the kind of person who embraced any challenge and was always ready to help others. The 5K Run taking place at Pittencrieff Park this April is a family-friendly event where our community comes together—not only in honour of David, but also to remember all those who have given their lives to protect the society we live in.
Bring your pets, prams and toddlers—I’ll be walking it this year with my two-year-old while 29 weeks pregnant!
Your presence truly means so much to our family and to those the CDSMF supports. So, whether you come along to smile, laugh, reflect or challenge yourself, please know that every step taken is part of something bigger—because we are all in this together.
Could you give just an hour to be part of something special on Sunday 26 April?
Join us for our Captain David Seath Memorial Fund 5K Run/Walk: https://tinyurl.com/ykun2j52