Blog

Funds raised by the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund quiz will support veterans and their families through the charity, Help for Heroes.

One hundred and fifteen attendees came together at the Garvock House Hotel, Dunfermline, in memory of local hero, Captain David Seath on Friday 15 November 2024.

Captain David Seath, of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, served with distinction in Afghanistan, who tragically died during the 2016 London Marathon.

The fund set up in his name has raised over £340,000.00 that supports veterans and their families through Help for Heroes, the charity Captain Seath chose to raise funds for in running the marathon.

Proceeds from the event will help to deliver vital comradeship activities, as well as mental health, recovery and case management services for over 1060 Help for Heroes beneficiaries across Scotland.

The event welcomes friends, families, community groups and colleagues, many of whom return year-on year, for a fun family-based, accessible quiz, a sumptuous haggis supper and musical entertainment.

The quiz involves eight rounds on the evening, including general knowledge, and current event topics, as well as music audio rounds and the organisation’s famous picture rounds.

An attendee, said:

“We look forward to attending the quiz each year, even though we never win! It’s always a fun evening with a tasty supper included and all in support of such a good cause.”

A further attendee, said:

“The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund Quiz is always a highlight of the year, and this year did not disappoint. At this point, the quiz is more like a reunion, which is testament to the fantastic environment created by Gary and his family.”

Musical entertainment was provided by Rhys Jenkins, from the band, The Wild Devils, who performed a range of rockabilly and popular tunes throughout the evening.

Rhys, who served six years in the Military Police, and as a reservist in 105 Regiment Royal Artillery (The Scottish Gunners) with Captain David Seath’s brother, Gary, said:

“An extremely enjoyable evening, with a fantastic, welcoming atmosphere that I’m so grateful to have been offered a chance to entertain for. To see the Seath family take what is undoubtedly one of their most challenging and heartbreaking moments and turn it into something that helps so many struggling Veterans, is nothing short of inspirational, and a fitting testament to David’s legacy.”

The local community came out in force to donate a variety of fantastic raffle prizes, including a silent auction fourball golf voucher for Graigielaw Golf Club, donated by PGA Professional, David Burns, former coach to world number 16, Robert Macintyre.

The prize was sold for £280 to boost the final fundraising total for the evening.

Another attendee, said:

“It was great seeing everybody singing and dancing, having a good laugh throughout the evening. It’s a truly fantastic amount of money raised in support of a wonderful cause.”

Several teams posted very impressive scores on the evening. In the end, it was the Dirty Ranchers who earned the right to put their name of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund Quiz Shield this year with a final score of 94 points.

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

 “We are sincerely grateful to all who attended, many of whom put it in their diary year on year and we are so grateful for their continued support. Equally it proved wonderful to welcome those supporting David’s legacy for the first time.

Working within the veteran sector, the need for continued support is clear for both veterans in later life and growing numbers of younger veteran families presenting a greater scope of complex support needs.

This can range from finding a home, employment, education or skills training to physical and mental health support needs to family relationships, financial matters and much more. No matter what stage of life a veteran decides to reach out for support, David’s legacy is making a huge difference. It helps veterans to make successful transitions to civilian life, to reduce isolation and loneliness as well as to make positive lasting recovery from life-changing physical and psychological wounds and much more.

I wish to thank all who attended, those who donated auction and raffle prizes, and to Incontri and Panda Print for sponsoring our quiz event; all of whom are a truly incredible force for good behind a truly remarkable legacy.”

The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund Quiz will return to the Garvock House Hotel next November; stay tuned for further announcements on social media.

Here’s something special for the golfers out there!

We’ve teamed up with David Burns, PGA Golf Professional at Kingsfield Golf & Leisure & former coach to current world #16 Robert MacIntyre to provide a fantastic silent auction prize!

We have a fantastic fourball voucher for Craigielaw Golf Club.

Designed by Donald Steel & Co. the course opened in 2001 and has hosted many national events, including the 2006 Scottish Amateur Strokeplay Championship & was a qualifying course for the 2007 British Seniors Open at Muirfield.

With challenging greens, cavernous bunkers and spectacular views over the Firth of Forth, Gullane Hill and out towards Edinburgh and Fife, Craigielaw Golf Club is an experience not to be missed.

Play on one of Scotland’s finest courses.

Proceeds to the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund.

Make lasting memories with friends, family or colleagues.

Perfect as birthday, anniversary or Christmas gift!

To make a bid, please contact gary.seath@outlook.com

The silent auction concludes at midnight on Friday 15 November 2024.

The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund Quiz raises over £1500 in support of veterans and their families across Scotland.

Over one-hundred and ten quizzers attended the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund Quiz at the Garvock House Hotel on Friday 17 November 2023.

Captain David Seath was running the London Marathon in support of Help for Heroes when he tragically died 3.2 miles from the finish line in 2016. Since then, the legacy set up in his name has raised over £330,600.00 for the charity.

Funds raised through David’s legacy will help to deliver vital comradeship activities, as well as mental health, and case management services, through Help for Heroes.

The event has proved a popular fixture within the local community of Dunfermline for the past six years, well-known for its fun-based, accessible quiz focused on general knowledge, current events, picture, and music rounds.

The quiz is attended by many who have a personal connection to David and his family, as well as veterans, and those from surrounding communities keen to support a local cause.

Jenny Wilson said:

“It was a thoroughly enjoyable night. The quiz was great fun, it was a fantastic atmosphere, and it’s great to raise funds for David’s legacy that is helping so many veterans and their families across Scotland.”

There were many strong performances on the night and ‘Hope there’s Flags’ emerged victorious with an impressive score of 66 out of a possible 70 points.

The team included our youngest winner to date – Marcus McCran Jnr (pictured) who apparently played a blinder with regard to the film and music rounds.

In addition to funds raised through attendance and a raffle, the event was generously sponsored by MRM Global, Incontri Italian Restaurant and Panda Print.

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

“We were delighted to welcome so many to our Captain David Seath Memorial Fund Quiz.

“It’s the sixth year we have hosted the quiz. Many put it in their diary year on year and we are so grateful for their continued support. Equally it proved a wonderful experience to welcome those supporting David’s legacy for the first time.

“Working within the veteran sector, the need for continued support is clear; this concerns both veterans in later life and growing numbers of younger veterans presenting a greater scope of complex support needs.

“This can range from finding a home, employment, education or skills training to physical and mental health support needs to family relationships, financial matters and much more.

“No matter what stage of life a veteran decides to reach out for support, David’s legacy is making a huge difference.

“It helps veterans to make successful transitions to civilian life, to reduce isolation and loneliness as well as to make positive lasting recovery from life-changing physical and psychological wounds and much more.

“I wish to thank all who attended and sponsored our quiz for joining us to become a truly incredible force for good behind a truly remarkable legacy.”

Molly Clarke has received the Captain David Seath Award for Endeavour to Succeed salver at St Margaret RC Primary School’s end of year award ceremony.

The award, established in memory of former pupil, Captain David Seath, who tragically died running the 2016 London Marathon, recognises leadership, courage and determination to overcome challenge and adversity to succeed in all aspects of school life.

Fraser Gillan, Headteacher at St Margaret’s RC Primary School said:

“Molly has been heavily involved in the life and work of our school. She has taken on numerous leadership roles including, making positive contributions to our nativity, stations of the cross and investing time to invest in our younger learners.

“Molly has set an excellent example to others and is incredibly kind and considerate. She has a passion for football and shows great sportsmanship and leadership and that is why she was chosen as a Young Sports Leader.

“Molly is determined and highly-motivated; she faces all challenges with perseverance, positivity and a growth mindset while supporting others. Molly always endeavours to succeed.”

Libby Seath, the mother of Captain David Seath, presented the memorial salver to Molly during the ceremony, who said:

“It was with great pleasure that I presented our endeavour salver to Molly, who is a deserved winner having given significant service to the school community in a range of ways; as a leader and effective team member in line with the school’s values of faith, fairness and achievement.

“Our family wish Molly well as she embarks on her high school career at St Columba’s after a throughly well-deserved summer holiday.”

The brother of the late Captain David Seath has smashed his target of running 60km (36 miles) in a day to raise money for the legacy established to support veterans in his name.

Funds raised will support veterans and their families, through Help for Heroes, the charity Captain Seath was raising funds for when he tragically died running the 2016 London Marathon, aged 31.

The gruelling ultra event on Saturday saw Gary Seath, founder of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, and his friend, Ben Waite, successfully run 12 Parkrun routes across Central Scotland, to coincide with Armed Forces Day.

Gary, 40, from Dunfermline, said: “It was tough. You cannot escape the reason why we were attempting this challenge, it was a 36 mile run so ultimately, I was aware of the degree of risk, and my parents were obviously anxious. It was a huge mental effort, but this is what training prepares you for and it gave us that real commando-style mentality.”

Starting in Cramond at 4.25am, the team was joined throughout the day as temperatures climbed by supporters and crossed the finish line in Dunfermline, the hometown of Captain David Seath, more than 17 hours later at around 9pm.

The fund has raised more than £350,000 to date which funds vital mental health services, comradeship activities, as well as supports veterans to develop employability skills and much more.

“The community spirit all day gave us such a boost, especially in the heat, we were joined by veterans, serving personnel and reservists as well as members of the public of all ages. Simon Watkinson ended up joining us for all 12 runs, which was fantastic,” said Gary who has raised £1,350 from his initial £500 goal.

“The event proved a true test of stamina, determination and commitment; all of which are core values reflected in the commando ethos that David believed in very strongly.”

Last month, Gary was named winner of the prestigious Reservist of the Year Award at the Scottish Ex-Forces in Business Awards.

He received the award in recognition of his charitable work with the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, Help for Heroes, and Forces Children Scotland, whilst also being an active member of 105th Regiment (The Scottish and Ulster Gunners) Royal Artillery.

Gary added: “We were euphoric at the finish line; we had completed an epic distance that proved demanding from a physical, emotional, and psychological perspective.

“It proved poignant to bring members of the Armed Forces community together and to raise awareness of the help that is available on their doorstep – ultimately, funds raised through this challenge help make these services available to those who need a little extra support.”

Donations can be made at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cdsmf-60kchallenge

The brother of the late Captain David Seath will be joined by his close friend to complete an epic 60K in day running challenge in support of his legacy established to support veterans.

The event returns on Saturday 24 June, following a successful 50K fundraising event in 2019, which raised over £1500 in support of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund.

The challenge will involve Gary Seath, founder of the Captain David Seath Memoria Fund, and his Friend, Ben Waite, taking on twelve 5K Parkrun routes across Central Scotland in one day.

Starting at Cramond at 4.25am, the team will be joined by runners at the twelve locations throughout the day, which is scheduled to finish at Dunfermline, the home of Captain David Seath, at 8pm.

Funds raised will support veterans and their families, through Help for Heroes, the charity Captain Seath was raising funds for when he tragically died running the 2016 London Marathon.

The fund has raised over £350,000 to date which funds vital mental health services, comradeship activities, as well as supports veterans to develop employability skills and much more, through Help for Heroes.

Gary Seath said:

“Both Ben and I agreed that the 50K event proved so memorable in bringing so many runners together to raise funds in David’s memory, that we should give things another go.

“The event proves a true test of stamina, determination and commitment; all of which are core values reflected in the commando ethos that David believed in very strongly.

“Whether you’d like to join us for all twelve or simply one park run along the way, everyone is warmly welcome to join our force for good on Saturday 24 June.”

Ben Waite was part of the 2019 50K in A Day Challenge team and has played an instrumental role in coordinating the twelve parkrun locations for this year’s challenge.

“I’m in awe of all that has been achieved in David’s memory through the fund and can’t wait to take part in the 60K in a Day Challenge later this month.

“The 50K event in 2019 was such a special day and the support, both through donations and turn out meant so much to us and here’s hoping we can attract similar support this year.”

Donations can be made via a Just-Giving: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cdsmf-60kchallenge

This award is given to a pupil who has consistently shown application, dedication and perseverance in his or her day-to-day schooling and extra-curricular activities at St Columba’s High RC School in Dunfermline.

In other words, someone who ‘gets things done’ and inspires others to take action.

The award also recognises developing skills in leadership but also someone who can effective contribute as a member of a wider team; supporting and motivating others to get involved and to succeed.

This year’s worthy winner is John MacGregor, a 6^th year pupil from St Columba’s High School in Dunfermline.

Libby Seath (pictured with John MacGregor), the mother of Captain David Seath, said:

“John was chosen for the Captain David Seath award as he has been an exceptional leader in S6 in so many areas including the yearbook committee, as a house captain and as part of the equalities and diversity group. 

“He has also shown great commitment as a prefect and never failed to take on any additional duties that was requested of him.  John has made an outstanding contribution to the school.”

John is soon to attend Edinburgh University to study law and we wish him well in all his endeavours in the future.

A charity 5K set up in honour of a late West Fife army captain attracted a large group of enthusiastic runners and walkers to Dunfermline’s Pittencrieff Park on Sunday.

The event was held in support of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, who tragically passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest while running the 2016 London Marathon in aid of Help for Heroes.

More than 120 people took part in Sunday’s event, with around 100 joining the late captain’s family in Pittencrieff Park and another 20 who joined in virtually from around the world. Friends, family and supporters from as far as America and Australia laced up their running shoes and completed a 5K.

Gary Seath, Captain Seath’s brother and founder of the fund, told the Press: “I think it proved to be another wonderful community fundraising event in David’s memory where over 120 people participated in the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund 5k.”

In total, the event raised £1,100 in support of the armed forces personnel, veterans and their families through Help for Heroes.

“When you consider that we’re now talking about a tragic event that took place over seven years ago, and you’re thinking about such significant numbers of the local community still coming out and supporting David’s legacy seven years on, I think that speaks volumes for the high regard that the local community had for David as a person and what he stood for.”

First held back in 2017, the 5K takes place each year on the weekend closest to the date of the passing of Captain Seath, a commando who served in Afghanistan and the Middle East with the 19th Regiment Royal Artillery and the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery respectively.

Gary added: “The London Marathon Sunday will always prove to be a hugely poignant day for our family and that’s why it’s so important to set up the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund 5K on London Marathon Sunday because it provides a very positive focus for family, friends and the wider community to come together to remember David and raise funds to support his legacy.

“I think I speak for my whole family when I say that we’re sincerely grateful to the local community for their continued support, as well as the new supporters who joined us for the first time on Sunday and, collectively, I think we’ve forged an incredible force for good behind what’s become a truly remarkable legacy.”

Among those who turned up to the fundraising event were the 1145 Dunfermline Squadron RAF Air Cadets who helped direct the runners, joggers and walkers on the day, and the Widows Sons Scotland’s East Chapter of the Masonic Riders Association, who donated £150 to the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund.

The group regularly makes donations to small local charities, and this time decided to give their members’ donations to the memorial fund.

Derek Ross, the chapter president, told the Press: “We’re Freemasons on motorbikes and what we do is we go around lots of small charities, supporting them as much as we can. The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund came into our line of vision so we thought we would support them with a cheque for £150.

“In reality, it’s not a lot of money but it makes some difference to small charities.”