For his outstanding commitment and dedication to raising funds for the ‘Captain David Seath Memorial Fund’, ‘Help for Heroes’ and ‘Forces Children Scotland’, Gary Seath has been awarded the prestigious Reservist of the Year Award at the Scottish Ex-Forces in Business Awards. Awarded in recognition of his indelible charitable work, whilst also being an active member of 105^th Regiment (The Scottish and Ulster Gunners) Royal Artillery.

Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow on 18 April 2023, the Ex-Forces in Business Awards is the world’s largest celebration of ex-military personnel who have transitioned into careers beyond the military – recognising the real value veterans add to businesses and their employers, who support the transition of servicepeople across Scotland so proudly.

The event saw thirteen winners awarded the respected award from over three hundred nominations – nominations from far and wide across Scotland, all vying to honour their employees for demonstrating immense value that they, within the Armed Forces community, add to their Scottish employers across all sectors.

Gary has secured and managed over £1Million of funding to co-develop projects and services to support 12,500 children from Armed Forces and veteran families and has founded the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, which has raised £350,000 to support veterans, through Help for Heroes.

Gary Seath said:

“It is a huge honour to have received this award, but I want to recognise five further exceptional finalists who have achieved incredible things, having made the transition from military to civilian life to realise their potential and thrive across many sectors.

“It meant so much to receive an award from the armed forces community, having worked for many years in the third sector supporting veterans as well as their children and young people, through my work with the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, Help for Heroes and Forces Children Scotland.”

Nominated for the award by Forces Children Scotland, Chief Executive Officer, Laura Falconer said:

“Gary’s work at Forces Children Scotland has been exemplary; from the minute he joined the charity, he has worked with incredible passion and dedication to help improve the lives of children and young people from armed forces and veteran families across Scotland.

“Gary’s role carries significant responsibility and delivers work to an exceptionally high standard of professionalism. The fact he does so to such a high standard alongside his reservist commitments is remarkable; I have never worked with such a dedicated team member.

“We’re delighted Gary has received such well-deserved recognition.”

Servicepeople spend years adapting to roles and gaining valuable transferrable skills which are hugely valuable to businesses across Scotland. They develop qualities which are hugely adaptable to commercial environments and in demand in the business world and add real value to any business worth its salt.

Communicating these valuable and in-demand skills to employers can be challenging but rest assured that when an employer hires a veteran and reservist, they are gaining experience that is unrivalled by their non-military counterparts.

Increasing the visibility of military role models is crucial to empowering and inspiring current and future service leavers, but to educate employers on the value of supporting the transition of servicepeople.

However, this award category approaches matters from a different perspective in the sense it recognises and celebrates the achievements of those who have developed civilian careers, whilst serving in the Reserve Forces across all three arms of the British Armed Forces – the Royal Navy, the British Army, and Royal Air Force.

Gary has served in F Troop, 212 (Highland) Battery, 105^th Regiment Royal Artillery (RA) for four years, following in the footsteps of his brother, Captain David Seath, who served in Afghanistan and the Middle East with distinction with 19 Regiment RA and 29 Commando RA, respectively.

“Being a reservist in 105^th Regiment RA has expanded my horizons in many ways. I have gained many memorable experiences which has served to develop new skills, build a unique sense of confidence, and forge many new connections.

“I consider it a huge honour to be part of the Army Reserve, which is something much bigger than myself and 105 RA is somewhere you are accepted, respected and encouraged to push beyond comfort zones in order to realise potential and thrive.”

Lieutenant Colonel Huw Gilbert, Commanding Officer of the 105 Regiment RA, added: “Gary Seath is thoroughly deserving of this award. Reservists’ military and civilian roles are often complimentary of one another. Gary’s contribution over such a wide spectrum i,s however, truly outstanding.”

Run, walk, Cycle, dog-jog and pram push – it all counts!

Join us at Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline in support of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund on Sunday 23 April (10:30am).

If you can’t make it, complete a virtual 5K anywhere, anytime over the weekend.

Complete 5K at your own pace, anyway you like in support of a local cause which raises money in memory of Captain David Seath, who died running the London Marathon.

Since then, David’s fund has raised over £350.000.00 to support veterans and their families, through Help for Heroes.

From mental health and wellbeing, employability and education pathway support to sports, fellowship and much more; David’s legacy has made a huge difference to veterans and their families across Scotland.

Become a powerful force for good behind what has proved a truly incredible legacy.

Sign up via, Eventbrite

Following a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund Quiz returned to the Garvock House Hotel in Dunfermline, to raise over £1600 to support veteran families through, Help for Heroes.

Over one-hundred supporters attended the popular quiz event, to raise funds in memory of Dunfermline-born Captain David Seath, who tragically died running the 2016 London Marathon running in support of the charity, Help for Heroes.

Since then, the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund has raised £350,000.00 through annual fundraising events as well as generous donations, community and challenging fundraising which has taken place across the United Kingdom and overseas.

Funds support veterans and their families across Scotland through Help for Heroes – from sport, activity, and fellowship services to working directly with beneficiaries to co-produce online courses which promote recovery, to mental health and wellbeing support and much more.

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

“We are sincerely grateful to those who attended our quiz event, which has raised a phenomenal amount of money in support of David’s legacy. We are very fortunate to have such a warm, close-knit relationship with so many of our supporters, which is reflected in their passion for our cause.

“It was great to re-engage with our supporters, face-to-face, and ensure they left feeling that their continued support is greatly appreciated – a true force for good behind what is a truly remarkable legacy which is supporting veterans and their families across Scotland, through Help for Heroes.”

The event provides an annual fun-based, accessible quiz for attendees which focuses on general knowledge, current events, picture and music rounds, supported further by musical entertainment from Rhys Jenkins, a sumptuous haggis supper and a prize draw raffle.

There were many strong team performances on the night, however, the team from MRM Global triumphed to earn the right to put their name on the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund Quiz shield as champions for 2022, who scored a very impressive 58/62 points.

Emma Brunet said:

“It was wonderful to have the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund Quiz back this year. As always, Gary and his family ensured everyone had a brilliant event of top-notch quizzing, food, prizes and the added bonus of exceptional music performance from Rhys Jenkins. What a fantastic way to carry on David’s legacy and I encourage everyone to look out for next year’s event.”

One team who attended included direct beneficiaries of David’s legacy and members of the Help for Heroes team delivering vital services to veterans and their families across Scotland. One beneficiary kindly left a comment on social media channels, who said:

“It was an absolutely amazing evening, thank you so much for everything you do. I am living proof that the support you give to Help for Heroes in David’s name goes a long way. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with Complex PTSD.

“Two years ago my world fell apart completely and if it wasn’t for the help I have received with regards to Hidden Wounds and the Recovery College, not to mention the continued support and friendship I have from Sport, Activity & Fellowship, I wouldn’t be here, let alone be in the place I am today.”

The event was generously sponsored by MRM Global, whose CEO, Craig Letton, was a university friend of Captain David Seath whilst studying together at Aberdeen University. We extend our sincere thanks to MRM Global for their continued support of David’s legacy.

Jodie Anderson was awarded the Captain David Seath Memorial Endeavour Salver at St Margaret’s RC Primary School’s Class of 2022 Awards Ceremony earlier this week.

The personal qualities of resilience, dedication and leadership were at the core of the Commando ethos which former pupil, Captain David Seath, demonstrated to the men and women under his command to set the standard for others to follow.

St Margarets RC Primary School have established this memorial salver award to recognise and celebrate the spirit of David’s commando ethos in young people, who show the aforementioned qualities to aspire toward positive futures.

Deputy Head Teacher, Donna Mulholland said:

“Throughout her years in St Margaret’s, we have seen Jodie grow in both confidence and resilience.  She is a kind, caring and friendly girl who always has a smile on her face.  Jodie approaches everything she does with positivity and determination to succeed.  Even when she finds things challenging, she never gives up. 

“She is enthusiastic about her learning and always shows commitment to everything she undertakes.  Jodie has been one of our Learning Champions this year as well as a Playground Pal.  Jodie is an excellent role model for younger pupils and always leads by example.  She gets involved in the wider life of the school and always thinks about others.”

The award was presented by Libby Seath, who said:

“This award recognises someone who has worked hard and has shown dedication and perseverance to strive towards doing their very best. What’s more, the award recognises kindness, compassion, dependability and leadership. I am delighted to have presented this award to Lawrence, which is richly deserved and we wish him the very best in the future.”

We offer our congratulations to Jodie and our sincere thanks to St Margaret’s RC Primary School for their continued support of David’s legacy.

Her Majesty The Queen, becomes the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth.

The Queen has ruled for longer than any other Monarch in British history, becoming a much loved and respected figure across the globe. Known for her sense of duty and her devotion to a life of service, she has been an important figurehead for the UK and the Commonwealth during times of enormous social change.

Her Majesty continues to carry out a full programme of engagements, from visits to charities and schools, to hosting visiting Heads of State, to leading the nation in Remembrance and celebratory events – all supported by other members of the Royal Family. 

The Queen sees public and voluntary service as one of the most important elements of her work. The Queen has links – as Royal Patron or President – with over 600 charities, military associations, professional bodies and public service organisations. These vary from well-established international charities to smaller bodies working in a specialist area or on a local basis only.

Her patronages and charities cover a wide range of issues, from opportunities for young people, to the preservation of wildlife and the environment. Having Her Majesty as Royal patron or president provides vital publicity for the work of these organisations, and allows their enormous achievements and contributions to society to be recognised.

#HM70 | #PlatinumJubilee

On Sunday Catherine Munro will tackle the second of two momentous challenges in a month, which has raised over £1800 in support of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund so far.

Having run a 50km ultra marathon on 01 May, Cath is swapping her trainers for cleats and cycling 160km (100 miles) in the RideLondon100 event.

It’s been a busy month for Cath and her family, with her young children also running and cycling impressive distances. Not to be left out, while Cath is cycling down south this weekend, her children will cycle a specific challenge of their own. Please keep your fingers crossed for no punctures!

Cath said:

“We will be doing these events in support of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund. Dave and I met in halls on Day 1 at Aberdeen University; we went on to work together, live together and have a whole lot of fun together! A guy so full of verve, humour, energy and cheekiness, he was simply a joy to be around.

“He chose the military as his career, and his grit and determination saw him become an officer in 29 Commando Regiment. Tragically, while running the 2016 London marathon to raise money for Help for Heroes, Dave collapsed at the 23 mile mark and died. The gaping hole that he left in so many people’s lives has been impossible to fill, and six years on the loss is still as raw as ever. 

“Dave’s passion for helping veterans was evident in his life and his legacy lives on through the Memorial Fund that his family set up in his name. The Fund provides financial grants to service personnel through Help for Heroes and has so far raised a phenomenal £330,000 and counting. 

“I would like to do my bit to help veterans and their families, which is why I have chosen to raise funds in Dave’s memory. I know that his cheeky smile and glinting eye will spur me on when I’m needing it most.”

Donate in support of Cath’s amazing efforts in support of David’s Legacy

Over one-hundred and forty supporters came together on Sunday 24 April to raise over £1200 through a hybrid 5K run/walk event held in support of a memorial fund established in memory of Dunfermline-born Captain David Seath.

Captain Seath tragically died running the London Marathon in support of Help for Heroes and the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund 5K has ran for the past six years in Pittencrieff Park and virtually during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Ran as a hybrid event for the first time this year, over eighty supporters joined the Seath family in Pittencrieff Park for a 5K run or walk, whilst others completed virtual alternatives across the UK, Australia, Europe and the United States.

Over £340,000.00 has been raised in support of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund since its foundation in 2016, and funds raised from Sunday’s event will support veterans and their families across Scotland, through Help for Heroes.

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

“As a family, we wish to offer our sincere gratitude to the local community and beyond for generously supporting our 5K hybrid fundraising event in support of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund.

“The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund was established for one very specific reason, which was to continue what David started when he chose to run the London Marathon in support of the charity Help for Heroes.

“Veterans and their families have faced many unique challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic and funds raised will ensure specialist one-to-one and peer group support is delivered by Help for Heroes across Scotland.

“From mental health support, addressing complex support needs to delivering regular social, sporting or creative activities, David’s legacy continues to rebuild lives, forge new connections and provide pathways to brighter futures.”

Many taking part had a strong link to David and the wider Seath family. Some had attended school or university together, competed against one another through sports as well as served on operations in Afghanistan with 19th Regiment Royal Artillery.

Cara Coventry, who attended the same primary and secondary schools, said:

‘It was a pleasure to be able to run with Gary and honour the life of Captain David Seath. The camaraderie shown by his family and friends was a very fitting tribute, making it a warm and inclusive atmosphere for all involved.”

Chris Duff, who used to run with David at Pitreavie Athletics Club, said:

“I thoroughly enjoyed the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund 5k run. Special thanks to the volunteers on the day and those who helped organise the event. It was great to get together in person to remember David and raise money for a fantastic cause.”

Did you miss our 5K fundraising event and wish to make a donation in support of David’s legacy? You can do so by clicking the button below.

Today we remember those whom made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country and personnel who returned from conflict with life-changing physical and psychological wounds. Today is also about recognising the contribution made by all who have served in the British Armed Forces, as well as their friends and family who stood behind them when it mattered the most.

As a family, today is a very poignant day. We remember the life of Captain David Seath, who served with distinction in Afghanistan with 19th Regiment Royal Artillery and later in the Middle East with 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.#remembrance | #remembranceday | #lestweforget2021