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Fifteen teams of keen golfers enjoyed a military themed golf day experience at Fairmont, St Andrews on Thursday 31 August, who have raised an incredible £1500 in support of The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund.

Captain Seath, who tragically died running the 2016 Virgin London Marathon, served in Afghanistan and the Middle East with 19th Regiment Royal Artillery and 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery respectively.

The funds raised from the golf day will be used to provide financial support, through the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, to personnel and veterans of the British Armed Forces living with life-changing physical and psychological trauma as a result of service.

The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund worked in partnership with 105 Regiment Royal Artillery to deliver a golf day with a difference, who set up a range of military themed competition holes on the course, a respirator pitching challenge and a 105mm Light Gun shotgun start.

Gary Seath, Founder of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, describes the reasons behind organising the event:
“For David, golf was a sport he had taken up in recent times and I remember many sessions at the driving range where golf balls would regularly ricochet off the walls and roof. However, he was improving and keen to apply what he had learned onto the course. Golf is also very popular within the Armed Forces and, because of David’s career in the Royal Artillery, it made perfect sense to team up with 105 Regiment RA to provide a special, memorable golf day experience for everyone concerned.

Upon arrival at Fairmont St Andrews, our teams enjoyed a hearty breakfast before taking to the practice range to work on technical aspects with the resident PGA professional. Players were also invited to apply an army respirator for a pitching competition from the clubhouse to the 16th green, which attracts considerable interest and intrigue in equal measures.

Once preparations were completed, teams were piped our by a drummer and piper from 19th Regiment Royal Artillery for a team stableford competition on the Kittocks Course bathed in glorious late summer sunshine. As the conditions were so perfectly set and conducive to high scoring, many of the competing teams achieved the opportunity to post impressive final scores.

Following a keenly contested competition on the Kittocks Course, teams enjoyed the opportunity to reflect and share their experiences over a sumptuous two course dinner and free beer, courtesy of our official beer sponsor Loch Leven Brewery, in the Fairmont Clubhouse which provided stunning, panoramic views of the St Andrews coastline.

The presentation ceremony was presided by over by David Tanner whose humour and quick wit provided much hilarity and colour to proceedings. Prior to the announcement of the winners, Gary Seath provided an address describing the work of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund and Nick Rose, a close friend of David’s who recently completed the Reykjavik Marathon in support of the fund, said a few words of thanks on behalf of the attendees.

The winning team ‘The Illustrious Foresome’ were announced as the victors with a total score of 88 points, who narrowly pipped a number of rivals to the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund Golf Day trophy.

Paul Chalmers, a member of the Illustrious Foursome team, said:

“Although I never knew David, I have known Gary for three or four years through our mutual love of cricket, which made the tragic events of April 2016 so much more poignant for me.  Being a keen golfer, taking part in the Captain David Seath Memorial Golf Day was an obvious way to lend my support to the charity started in David’s name, and I was delighted that three of my ex-Servicemen colleagues from the QE Class Aircraft Carrier project in Rosyth so readily joined me – I was even more thrilled that we were able to see off stiff competition from some of the equally determined teams and secure the coveted ‘Claret Jug’.

“From the warm welcome on arrival to leaving the Clubhouse through the two 105mm Guns, the event was so very special, and a fitting tribute to someone that evidently loved the Army, the outdoors and sport.  Everyone clearly had a wonderful day; even the wind dropped and the sun shone which, as those who play golf at The Fairmont St Andrews know only too well, is a rare treat. I can’t wait until next year to set about defending the trophy.”

Gary Seath concludes:

“I wish to thank everyone for attending our inaugural Captain David Seath Golf Day event at Fairmont St, Andrews and for raising an incredible amount of money, which will be used to support personnel and veterans living with life-changing physical and psychological wounds. We have also been overwhelmed by the positive feedback we have received by our golf teams, many of whom are keen to return next year.”

 

The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund is delighted to announce that it has now provided financial support to over two hundred beneficiaries.

Captain David Seath tragically died running the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 24 April 2016. As an Officer in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, David cared passionately about the men under his command as well as veterans living with life changing physical and psychological wounds. It was for these reasons which ultimately led to his decision to run the London Marathon in support of the charity Help for Heroes.

The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund was established by his brother, Gary, in May 2016 as a means to ensure the incredible amounts of money so generously donated by the British public were used to support those who David cared so much about. The fund provides financial support to personnel and veterans who have experienced life-changing physical and psychological trauma in service of their country.

Within three weeks of David’s death, The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund supported its first beneficiary, who used the funds as a means to support the establishment of a small business in Wales. Since then beneficiaries have used funds to purchase specialist rehabilitation equipment, sports therapy equipment, enable respite break, PTSD therapy as well as facilitate supported employment placements and training courses.

Ali served as an officer in the Royal Engineers and lost both his legs as a result of an explosion in Afghanistan in 2011. Thanks to the support from the military and the generosity of the wider community, Ali successfully progressed through rehabilitation and rebuilt his life. Ali resides in a beautiful location surrounded by stunning Scottish hills and forestry. Ali was determined to enjoy the outdoor pursuits he had prior to his life changing injuries, but faced a considerable obstacle.

A financial grant was provided through The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund for Ali to purchase an off-road hand bike as a means to enjoy his outdoor pursuits.

Ali said:

“I live in a beautiful part of Scotland surrounded by forests and hills but, as you can imagine, this is challenging terrain for prosthetics and wheelchairs.”

“I can’t tell you how amazing it is to be able to jump on the bike and get out into the hills again. It is these simple pleasures which make such a difference. t really has made such a difference to my enjoyment of life. I am never off the thing now. I managed to roll it going round a track bend to fast so now my wife has forced me to wear a helmet. The dog is exhausted from all the long walks he is getting as well.”

Read more about our beneficiaries

Gary Seath said:

“We are delighted to have passed this significant milestone, which has been achieved thanks to those who have generously donated money, organised and participated in fundraising events across the globe during the past fourteen months. Without this incredible support there would be no legacy and we wish to thank everyone who has supported the captain David Seath Memorial Fund.

“When the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund was established we had no objective in mind with regards to how many beneficiaries we wanted to support. What was important was that 100% of the money raised was used to specifically support those whom David cared so passionately about and to now have supported over two hundred beneficiaries rebuild their lives, following physical and psychological trauma, is a fitting tribute to David’s memory.”

Ensure David’s legacy continues by making a donation in support of The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund

We are delighted to announce that Loch Leven Brewery have generously agreed to come on board as our beer sponsor for the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund at Fairmont, St Andrews on Thursday 31 August 2017.

As Loch Leven Brewery prepares to open its doors in Kinross our players will have the honour of being one of the first to taste their Mary Queen of Scots Pale Ale, who will receive a complimentary bottle as well as compete for cases of the beer as prizes.

The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund will also work in partnership with Loch Leven Brewery on a number of fundraising projects throughout the next year, including the forthcoming Captain David Seath Memorial Fund Pub Quiz and Mary Queen of Scots Festival.

Gary Seath said:

“We offer our sincere thanks to Thomas and the team at Loch Leven Brewery who have so generously chosen to support The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund. I think it’s very important to support the local community, which has been so kind and receptive to our cause, in any way we can and I am delighted to promote a new, up and coming local brewery as beer sponsor for our forthcoming golf day.

“Loch Leven Brewery have also extended further opportunities to work together on a range of fundraising and cultural events which we very much looking forward to being part of throughout the next year.”

Loch Leven Brewery produce a range of craft beers and have established unique, colourful and characteristic themes to their beers including Big John, Pale Alice and Cool Roy. Visitors will have the opportunity to taste these wonderful beers and enjoy a stimulating visitor experience at their Kinross premises which includes a micro-brewery and lounge bar.

Thomas Moffat, from Loch Leven Brewery, said:

“The entire team at Loch Leven Brewery are delighted to be supporting The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund. As a small company, in our infancy, we had to chose one charity to support at the beginning of our journey. Supporting this wonderful cause will be both a pleasure and a privilege.”

Learn more about The Captain David Seath Golf Day

 

 

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