Friends and family of a Cowdenbeath commando who died running the London Marathon have raised almost £240,000 in his honour.

Another £2,000 was collected at a champagne afternoon in Edinburgh in support of The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund.

It was organised to celebrate his life, his love of friends and family as well as his military career, where his reputation as the life and soul of any party was legendary.

His mother, Libby Seath, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the ongoing support and generosity of not just our friends, colleagues and family but from people, world-wide who have been moved to support David’s cause."

The memorial fund is heading for a quarter of a million pounds and started after the army captain, based in Plymouth but originally from Cowdenbeath, tragically died while running the marathon in April.

He tackled the 26.2 miles challenge in support of wounded, injured and sick personnel and veterans through the charity Help for Heroes.

Mrs Seath welcomed over 100 guests to the George Hotel, Edinburgh, and provided a moving testimonial about his life growing up and as an officer in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.

She said: "David lived life to the full. He made the best of every opportunity offered.

"He loved people and invested in them and as a result, he has left an amazing legacy and we will continue to do all we can to support wounded, injured and sick personnel and veterans, to give them the highest quality of life and a real sense of wellbeing.”

Mrs Seath also praised the work of her other son, Gary who has galvanised both the family’s and the public’s fundraising under the memorial fund, which raises money in support of Help for Heroes.

Gary updated guests about the fantastic difference that has already been made thanks to funds raised in David’s memory.

He said: “The ability to understand, react and respond quickly is essential to the Commando mindset.

"As an officer in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery we saw the synergy between David’s role in the Army and the Help for Heroes’ ‘Quick Reaction Fund’ which provides immediate financial grants to wounded, injured and sick personnel and veterans.

“Since David’s tragic death, the fundraising in support of his fund has been incredible and I was delighted to inform our guests that so far the monies raised have provided 154 financial grants, including specialist adaptive equipment.

"We are fortunate to have been in contact with some of the grant recipients and hearing how their lives are instantly improved makes it all worthwhile.”

Alistair Lockhart, director of fundraising at Help for Heroes, said: “Captain David Seath was doing something exceptional by running the London Marathon to fundraise and support his fellow servicemen and women who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses.

"His family and friends have followed his lead by doing challenges and events up and down the country in his honour and continue the fundraising that he started. Their continued fundraising is literally helping to transform lives.”