Gail Walshe was one of more than 130 Captain David Seath Memorial Fund 5K attendees, who chose to go the extra mile by organising her own sponsored run as part of the event.
Marking the occasion alongside family and friends, Gail’s epic fundraising effort raised more than £400, contributing towards over £3,000 raised during “Super Sunday” last month through our Memorial 5K, individual donations, Gail’s sponsored run, and the incredible efforts of London Marathon runners Ben and Alex.
Gail shared her story, training journey and reflections on supporting David’s legacy.
Tell us about your personal link to David and inspiration for taking on your sponsored run in support of his legacy?
I met David at a family event years ago, as he and my husband Michael are second cousins. I was inspired to sign up for the run after seeing the posts marking David’s ten-year anniversary and realising it coincided with my 57th birthday. A plan was hatched to ask for sponsorship instead of gifts. My daughter Katie and my son Jack’s girlfriend Lauren ran alongside me, while Jack and Michael supported us with our dog Harris.
You had been doing a lot of training in preparation for taking on the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund 5K?
Last June, I started quietly working on my health as I was badly out of shape and struggling. It became a case of slow and steady, with a focus on nutrition to fuel my training. At first, I couldn’t run the length of myself, but over the months I gradually built up my pace and distance until I reached 5K.
So, how was your overall experience taking part in the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund 5K?
It was a great experience taking part in the Captain David Seath Memorial Run. Listening to David’s family at the start, paying tribute to him and sharing the impact the fund is making, was incredibly emotional. We also heard from one of the beneficiaries of Help for Heroes, who spoke about how much the charity had helped him. That was so inspiring to hear.
Would you agree the 5K route requires everyone to show some of that commando spirit that’s often talked about?
The route definitely has its challenges worthy of the Commando spirit. I thought we were only running uphill twice — it turns out it was three times! But I was determined to keep going.
Another part of the Commando spirit is “cheerfulness in the face of adversity,” and I think that sums up the whole event perfectly. The adversity David’s family have faced is unimaginable, yet they continue to focus on helping others with such positivity. It’s incredibly humbling.
How does it feel to raise such an incredible amount in support of David’s legacy and the impact it will achieve?
I’m so glad I had the courage to put myself out there and ask for sponsorship. I can’t thank everyone enough for their kind words and generous donations. I really hope it goes some way towards making a difference for the charity recipients and continuing David’s legacy in such a positive way.
What’s your message to anyone thinking about getting involved in supporting David’s legacy through their own fundraising?
I’d encourage anyone to get involved in the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund events and fundraising. It’s easy to join in, and everyone is made to feel so welcome. No matter how big or small your contribution may seem, it all helps to continue an incredible legacy and make a real difference to others.
Donations to Gail’s epic fundraising efforts can still be made, via Gary Seath is fundraising for Help for Heroes
We’ve come a long way together — but the journey continues.
The next event on the horizon is the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund Quiz, which takes place on Friday 20 November 2026. Tickets for the hugely popular event are on sale now.