Introducing Alex – someone who served alongside Captain David Seath and knew him from the very beginning of his Army journey.
From Sandhurst through early regimental life, they shared the kind of daily grind that forges strong friendships – living side by side, training together, and pushing each other along the way.
That bond has endured, and it’s a big part of why Alex is here today, taking on his second London Marathon in support of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund. In true fashion, he’s approached it with discipline, a bit of grit through some tough winter miles, and – no doubt – an awareness that Dave would’ve had plenty to say about it along the way.
As we start London Marathon Week, we caught up with Alex to ask him some questions.
Q: Tell us about your connection to Dave and why you’re running the marathon
I first met Dave when we joined Sandhurst together. We were in the same platoon—so we saw a lot of each other, all day, every day. We went on to commission into the Royal Artillery, trained together again, and then—by chance—ended up posted to sister regiments, living next door to each other.
So it’s fair to say we shared a lot. A lot of experiences, a lot of formative years… and a very strong friendship. That’s really why I’m running the marathon – to honour that friendship.
Dave meant a lot to me. And this feels like a way of showing that.
Alex features to the left in this image, completing the 2017 London Marathon with his friend, David Jones.
Q: How has training been?
Training’s gone well – mainly because I’ve been pretty disciplined. I picked a programme and, so far, I’ve stuck to it – every mile bar one. But those January and February mornings… eight miles before work… they’ve been tough. I’m a big F1 fan, so a lot of it’s been powered by podcasts – which has probably been the only thing getting me round some days.
Q: What would Dave be saying to you now?
If Dave were here, his encouragement would’ve been… direct. He was fiercely competitive and never shy about giving his mates a bit of tough love—very much in the spirit of the Army. But underneath that, it would’ve been about pride. Pride in seeing a friend putting in the effort and getting after it.
Q: What does Dave legacy mean to you?
Dave and Gary’s legacy is incredible. Dave was a brilliant bloke—someone who genuinely cared about leading well and doing right by his people. And Gary has carried that forward in an extraordinary way. The serving and veteran community has a lot to thank the Seaths for.
Q: What are your reflections, 10 years on regarding David’s legacy?
Ten years on… it’s hard to believe it’s been that long. I find myself thinking about the young man Dave was— and the young man I was back then too. I think about everything that’s happened over the last decade… and how much I’d have liked to share that time with him.
And, in a way, I can’t help but laugh— because somehow, even now, Dave’s still managing to make me do horrible things to my body. Some things never change.
Q: What’s your message to inspire donations?
Help for Heroes is a fantastic charity, and the need is still very real. So if you can—please give something.