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We are delighted to announce that Jessica Hinton will run the Bali Marathon in support of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund on 27 August 2017.

Jessica describes why she has chosen to run in support of our cause:

“I served with Dave in 19 Regiment RA after commissioning from the same Sandhurst intake. He will always be a man of distinction a cut above the rest and the night of our dining in to the Royal Regiment of Artillery, he shone as a true gentleman and honestly made my parents night. They were nervous and not accustom to a military dinner and Dave took it upon himself to spend most of the evening talking to my mum and dad and definitely made them relax into the evening. Even when I asked him if he was Ok he told me to get gone and was genuinely enjoying their company, something which he did not have to do. They would always ask how the cheeky Scottish lad was and what a lovely young man he is.

“Dave will always be the most social and fun loving guy I know, give that man a alcoholic beverage or just a beverage in fact and the night was set to be a cracker. So many fond memories of mess nights and the excitement of the impending fancy dress outfit. Dave has left a legacy and imprint on so many people that I felt I had to run a marathon in his memory and where I now live in Singapore I have chosen Bali on the 27th August to do this.

“The last time I ran a marathon was London 2007 and I promised myself never to run one again. The training so far has been tough, the heat and humidity has been problematic to say the least and when it gets tough I say to myself ‘we all remember our first P=physical training session’ and smile, something Dave once said to me. #legacy”

Gary Seath said:

“Jessica has been incredibly supportive to our family and I am delighted that she has chosen to run the Bali Marathon in support of The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund. I think it is clear from Jessica’s words that they both enjoyed a very special friendship through a shared experience of military life and we thank Jessica in her efforts in supporting David’s legacy.”

To support Jessica’s fundraising, please visit her Just-Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jess-h-bali-marathon

You may remember our recent beneficiary story about Neil Jones, who received financial support from the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund to purchase a Kayak and equipment as part of his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Recovery Pathway.

The financial support Neil received has enabled him to access the therapeutic qualities of white water kayaking at any time he wishes alongside fellow veterans with similar experiences of military life and living with PTSD. Neil has very kindly shared a picture (right) of a fellow veteran enjoying his kayaking experience.

We are always delighted to receive updates from Neil as well as view pictures posted on Facebook showing himself and fellow veterans enjoying the benefits of regular kayaking through the Cardiff Veterans Activity Club.

Neil has shared news concerning exciting developments for his kayaking project which has now achieved full club status and will welcome greater numbers of fellow veterans interested in giving kayaking a go with regards to PTSD sports recovery.

Neil and his fellow colleagues from Cardiff Veterans Activity Club will also provide peer mentoring for new members, who can offer an understanding, personal experience and advice with regards to developing coping mechanisms for PTSD in a way civilians cannot.

Gary Seath, Founder of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, said:

“I am delighted that what began as one financial grant from The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund to support Neil pursue his PTSD sports recovery pathway has developed and inspired him to help his fellow veterans living in similar circumstances. I think this whole project is a wonderful tribute to David’s legacy who believed strongly in the values of peer support when it comes to developing effective coping mechanisms regarding PTSD and Complex PTSD.”

Any veteran can join by paying a £5 one-off membership and equipment for an introduction to the white water thrills of kayaking is provided. For further information, please contact neilej657@gmail.com

We wish Neil every success as his kayaking project grows from strength-to-strength and we are delighted David’s legacy has supported his PTSD recovery pathway and inspired him to help others with a similar experience as his own.

Help us ensure our work continues through the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund by donating today

Mark Hiscutt has sent a wonderful letter of thanks to the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, who recently received financial support from us to assist in purchasing woodwork tools and a lathe as part of his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) recovery pathway.

Mark said:

“I am a veteran of the Falklands War and served onboard HMS Sheffield as an Able Seaman (Missle) or in old money a Gunnery Rate. I was diagnosed with PTSD in 2001 after I had a breakdown. Up until then I had masked my illness through drink and concentrating on my wife who had an eating disorder that is thought to be due to the war. When I knew that everything was okay my body just let out the 18 years of grief I had been hiding.

“Having a hobby is important as it helps to relax you and take your mind off things going around round your brain. In 2016 I had to take early retirement due to my PTSD and it was suggested that I take up a hobby. After asking in my pensions I had a little workshop built (my occupational therapy room) that is fully insulated, heated and with lighting as well as a nice chair and radio. Firstly, I thought of whittling, then carving so I purchased a cheap set of tools and started to teach myself. I started thinking about woodturning after watching some demonstrations in a local store but I knew I could not afford to purchase the equipment I needed.

“The last time I did any wood turning was in woodwork classes back at school in 1976, so I have watched a awful lot of You Tube videos and teaching myself. I have made five pieces so far and have put my name down for a woodturning course with Help for Heroes in November. While I am in my little workshop I can escape from my thoughts and it helps with my concentration which, to be blunt, is rubbish. It also gives Kirsty my wife a break from me, who has been my rock over the past 35 years and I do not know what I would do without her, I lover her so much.

“I wish to keep you updated on my progress and hope to one day send you something I have made using the lathe that the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund has helped to purchase. David’s legacy to us has helped so many service personnel and veterans, including myself, to move forward with our lives and I am eternally grateful.”

We offer our sincere thanks to Mark for coming forward and wish him well with regards to his ongoing PTSD recovery pathway.

Help us ensure our work continues in providing financial support to veterans like Mark who are rebuilding their lives following PTSD by making a donation in support of The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund

We are delighted to announce that Nick Rose (pictured right) will run the Reykjavik Marathon in support of The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund on 19 August 2017.

Nick met David during their time together at Aberdeen University where they shared a house together as well as so many wonderful memories as part of a larger group of friends.

Despite leaving Aberdeen for the various corners of the globe following graduation, a close bond still exists to this day, galvanised further as a result of David’s tragic death.

Nick has successfully completed two marathons in recent times and has very kindly chosen to run his third in David’s memory and in support of his legacy.

Nick said:

“I am very excited to be taking part in the 2017 Reykjavik Marathon and training preparations are in full swing. This will be my third Marathon, each time taking on the challenge in a new and exciting country.

“I am also very proud to be running the Marathon in memory of my close friend Captain David Seath, in support of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund in collaboration with Help for Heroes. I hope to raise some funds to contribute towards the amazing work the charity does to support wounded, injured and sick personnel & veterans in service of their country. The work of the fund is truly changing and rebuilding lives and your continued support is greatly appreciated!”

The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund raises money to provide financial support to veterans who experienced physical and psychological trauma through Help for Heroes. Since Captain Seath’s tragic death running the 2016 London Marathon, over one-hundred and eighty financial grants have been provided.

Gary Seath said:

“We offer our sincere thanks to Nick for his wonderful gesture in support of David’s legacy and I wish him well in taking on the Reykjavik Marathon in support of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund. Nick was one of the first of David’s friends to send me a message of support and I am truly grateful for the continued support he has shown my family.

“Thanks to Nick’s commitment to David’s memory, alongside that of other inspirational people across the globe, or work will continue in supporting veterans who have encountered physical and psychological trauma in service of their country.”

You can support Nick’s incredible efforts through his Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nicholas-rose3

We offer Nick our best wishes and sincere thanks for supporting The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund.

Bid for the opportunity to fire a 105MM Light Gun!

Our sincere thanks to 105 Regiment Royal Artillery for supporting our Captain Seath Memorial Fund Golf Day at the Fairmont, St Andrews on Thursday 31 August 2107, who have generously offered a rare, unforgettable opportunity.

Two 105MM Light Guns (pictured right) will be positioned on the Kittocks Course which shall be fired to provide a shotgun start and, for an extra special experience, we wish to offer the opportunity to bid for the privilege of firing one of them. A framed, professional photograph capturing this rare, memorable experience will be provided as part of the prize.

Who can bid? Everyone!

Bidding is open to our golf day teams as well as individual supporters of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund. To make your bid, please contact gary.seath@outlook.com

Bidding will close at 1pm on Tuesday 29 August 2017.

105 Regiment Royal Artillery will also set up a series of forward observation post, machine gun nest themed competition holes as well as foxhole style bunkers around the greens. Snipers will patrol the rough throughout the day too, so we advise our teams to keep a close eye and maintain a tight defensive formation on the course.

The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund raises money to provide financial support to veterans who experienced physical and psychological trauma through Help for Heroes. Since Captain Seath’s tragic death running the 2016 London Marathon, over one-hundred and eighty financial grants have been provided.

Places are still available for individuals, doubles, triples and full teams of four to compete at the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund Golf Day, further information

Over forty-five guests from the local community attended the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund CPR Instruction Evening at the Garvock House Hotel, Dunfermline on Thursday 22 June 2017.

The event was organised as a means to provide members of the local community the opportunity to gain the confidence and vital life-saving skills to react effectively in the event of a cardiac arrest as part of Captain David Seath’s legacy, who tragically died running the 2016 London Marathon.

Attendees participated in an interactive session, led by an instructional DVD and facilitators from British Heart Foundation Scotland, which focussed on chest compressions, the application of mouth-to-mouth and information with regards to using a defibrillation machine.

The event was organised by Gary Seath, who said:

“As a result of David’s tragic death, it was recommended that I have my heart tested by a Cardiologist and I conducted research as a means to understand what the specific tests were investigating. Whilst carrying out my research, I was startled to read that twelve young people die as a result of a cardiac arrest in the UK on a weekly basis and that 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests take place in the UK on an annual basis.

“Therefore, orgainsing an event to provide the local community with the opportunity to develop the confidence and skills to react effectively in the event of a cardiac arrest is another wonderful aspect to David’s legacy and I was delighted to hear such positive feedback from attendees during the evening.”

A future programme of CPR instruction in local primary schools is planned as part of Captain David Seath’s legacy as well as further opportunities for the local community to learn vital life-saving skills.

For further information, please contact gary.seath@outlook.com

We offer our sincere thanks to George Batchelor and Greg Labonte, who successfully hiked Ben Nevis on Saturday 27 May 2017 and raised over £350 in support of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund.

Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles stands at 1,345 metres above sea level, which presents a serious challenge to the most seasoned of hikers. The unpredictable weather proved a challenge for our intrepid pair who safely negotiated periods of heavy rain and high winds to make their way to the summit.

The guys were part of a wider group of friends who worked together with David at the Halfway House, Dunfermline. The group enjoyed many ‘lively’ evenings at George’s House, and many infamous shenanigans which took place now form the basis of so many wonderful memories.

George said:

“The lives Dave touched after his tragic death has brought so much hope to others who need it. His legacy has spread far beyond what I am sure he thought possible. David we all know was quite a character, but I just miss my friend who I will never forget.”

David’s brother Gary, who founded The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund last year, was also part of this group of friends, who said:

“I look back fondly on so many memorable evenings spent with the guys at George’s house watching films and playing video games as well as host of ‘other’ activities. I think what they guys have accomplished is a fantastic tribute to David’s memory and I am grateful for the funds that they have raised in support of The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund.”

The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund has received the Dunfermline Press Charity Champion Award during an inspirational ceremony at the Glen Pavilion, Dunfermline on Friday 02 June 2017.

The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund was nominated by Dunfermline Press Journalist Ross Hart in recognition of raising £270,000 and providing over 170 financial grants to wounded, injured and sick personnel and veterans since David’s tragic death running the 2016 London Marathon.

Beneficiaries have used the funds to purchase specialist rehabilitation and sports therapy equipment, enable respite breaks and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) therapies and facilitate supported employment placements and the setting up of small businesses.

The support the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund has received from the local community has been incredible who have supported many events organised by the charity. In addition, local schools, community groups and local business have supported David’s legacy by organising a wide range of fundraising events including 3.2 mile commemorative walks, bake sales and swimathons.

Gary Seath, Founder of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund said:

“We are very proud to have received this award in recognition of what we have achieved so far through the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund. It is very important that we, in turn, recognise everyone who has donated money, organised and attended fundraising events in the local community, without the support we have received there would be no legacy.”

Looking for a golf day with a difference this year?

Whether you wish to book as an individual, pair, triple or full team of four, why not consider our Captain David Seath Memorial Fund Golf Day at Fairmont, St Andrews on Thursday 31 August 2017. From the moment you arrive with your work colleagues, friends or family, we promise everyone a fantastic experience at the home of golf.

We shall warmly welcome our guests with breakfast, including hot filled rolls, tea and coffee and then provide a golf clinic with Fairmont professionals for final tweaks and alterations prior to setting out for eighteen holes on the Kittocks Course.

Captain David Seath served with distinction in both 19th Regiment Royal Artillery and 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery. Representatives from 105 Regiment Royal Artillery will fire a 105mm cannon (what you see at Edinburgh Castle!) for our shotgun start and the closest the pin greens will be converted into machine gun nests and forward observations posts.

Our teams will compete for the CaptainDavid Seath Memorial Fund trophy by playing a Texas Scramble on the Kittocks Course. Teams will be able to download a special app to keep track of their progress, as well their rivals, throughout the competition. Each team will be provided with a buggy, for that extra touch of luxury.

We shall welcome our guests back to the clubhouse, which boasts incredible panoramic views of the East of Scotland coastline, for a sumptuous two course dinner. Our event host David Tanner, Sky Sports, will interview the winning team and run an auction of sporting memorabilia.

View video of the Kittocks Course

For further information, please contact gary.seath@outlook.com or book your tickets

Matt Brown, who served with Captain David Seath in 19th Regiment Royal Artillery, had planned to run the 2017 London Marathon in support of The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund. Matt had applied for the London Marathon ballot but, as he describes, his plans changed dramatically:

“I actually applied like many to the London Marathon to retrace Dave’s steps, albeit no doubt in half the pace of the wee man. However, unfortunately those plans were curtailed when I ruptured my cruciate ligament playing football pre-Xmas. Undeterred by the lack of right knee, I decided that I wanted to do something that would still raise some money for Dave’s true cause even if it wasn’t in the same Commando league. My Dad had always wanted to walk the length of Hadrian’s Wall, and on recollection of talking Roman military history days with Dave, I thought it befitting to embark upon something that I’m sure he would have been keen to join along with.”

Matt was joined on the challenge by his father, Mike, and his brother, Calum, who set off on Tuesday 18th April 2017. Matt describes his experience:

“Setting off on Tuesday 18th April, with some dry weather (that would luckily stay for the week), the Browns set off from near Carlisle for the first day of walking following the ancient route of Hadrian’s Wall. Taking in a ‘mere’ 22 miles the first day my younger Brother set the pace, a small realisation of my now ageing legs compared to previous charity adventures.

“Into day two and a slight question against my Dad’s route planning as off we went to tackle 20 miles up and over the crags, the toughest part of the walk and certainly a test of the recently fixed up right knee! Staying in basic B&Bs along the way, there were some aching bodies after first challenging days, before contours started to flatten out Eastwards towards Newcastle. We stopped at Roman mile castles, forts and ruins along the way, helping to break up the injuries and pains now coming thick and fast. But a last few miles along the River Tyne of a worthwhile family Brown challenge in the fresh air, whilst gratefully raising over £1200 for the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund.”

We offer our sincere thanks to Matt, Mike and Calum for their incredible fundraising in support of The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund.