We’re now going to hear from Sarah Jayne, David’s cousin—someone who shared a close and special bond with him, an active member of our fundraising community, and today she’s going to share a few reflections.
1. Tell us about your relationship to David – Tell us more about him and any specific memories you’d like to share.
I’m David’s cousin—but truthfully, it always felt more like being his little sister, especially with the amount he and Gary would take the mick out of me.
David had this way of lighting up every room. I remember noticing it from such a young age. He had a real presence—whether he was cracking jokes, right in the middle of a lively debate, or offering advice that genuinely meant something. I always felt incredibly lucky to call him family.
In September 2015, I started university and turned 18—and I was finally allowed to have David as a friend on Facebook. We spoke often through freshers and those first few weeks of classes. In equal measure, he supported me, encouraged me… and, at times, probably led me slightly astray. He was the ultimate hype man before a night out.
As adults, we didn’t get nearly enough time together. But I hope he’d be proud of what I’ve achieved over the last ten years. And if not, I know he’d at least be pretty happy about the tattoo in his honour—and the fact his “boozed singing” playlist is still on regular rotation on my Spotify.
2. This year, we’re marking ten years of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund – what’s your reflections on all that’s been achieved in supporting veterans and their families in David’s name, through Help for Heroes?
David left an incredible mark on this world in just 31 years. And through the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, that legacy is very much still alive.
The support that’s been given to wounded and sick veterans—and their families—over the past decade is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s hard to put into words just how much this would have meant to him, but I know, without question, he would be so proud.
For me, there’s real comfort in being able to take grief and channel it into something so positive. Ten years of incredible work—and many more to come.
3. We’ve established a massive fundraising community in that time – tell us about fundraising you’ve been involved in?
Soon after David passed, I found comfort in running. It made me feel close to him. It was one of the few things that could quiet my mind during such a difficult time.
Since then, I’ve run for David every year on his anniversary—different distances, different challenges. During lockdown, when I couldn’t get home to Scotland, I ran 9 kilometres with 9 kilograms on my back. As a relatively new runner, it was tough—but also strangely empowering. For a moment, I could almost imagine what it was like to be David, out on exercise with a weighted pack.
Running has become my way of remembering him—but also of contributing, in my own way, to the incredible fundraising community that’s grown around his legacy.
4. What’s your message to encourage people to come along to Pittencrieff Park to support our 5K Run/Walk event on Sunday 26 April?
No matter who you are, where you come from, or how fit you think you are—this event is for you.
It’s a chance to be part of something that genuinely changes lives. You don’t need to do anything extreme—you don’t need to jump out of a plane—just come along, give an hour of your time, walk or run, and be part of something meaningful.
So please—come along, take part, or support in any way you can. It means more than I can properly express—not just to us as a family, but to Help for Heroes, and to the veterans whose lives are changed through this support.
Could you give just one hour on Sunday 26 April?
Join us for the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund 5K Run/Walk in Pittencrieff Park:
https://tinyurl.com/ykun2j52
Every step helps continue David’s legacy.