THE family of late Crossgates army captain David Seath have paid tribute to the "overwhelming" support of the community following the third anniversary of his passing.

More than 130 runners and walkers, of all ages and abilities, gathered in Dunfermline's Pittencrieff Park on Sunday for the third annual Captain David Seath Memorial Fund 5K.

It is held on the same day as the London Marathon, in which Captain Seath, while running in aid of Help for Heroes, collapsed three miles from the finish after suffering a fatal cardiac arrest.

Following his death, family members, led by brother Gary, set up a memorial fund in his honour and it has now raised more than £294,000 to support 248 personnel and veterans living with life-changing physical and psychological trauma through the armed forces' charity.

More than £1,100 was raised following the memorial run, which marks the 3.2 miles that Captain Seath tragically did not finish in London, and Gary said: "April is a very difficult time for our family and our 5K commemorative event provides a very important, positive focus on the day the London Marathon takes place.

"It's a wonderful experience to warmly welcome so many from the local community to the event, which contributes to a fantastic sense of community spirit, positivity and solidarity.

"Equally, it's overwhelming to witness attendees of all ages and abilities participate in our event, all of whom are passionate to commemorate David's life and support his legacy through the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund.

"It doesn't matter whether you complete the 5K distance in 17 minutes, or an hour-and-a-half. What does matter is ensuring everyone who attends experiences the immense feeling of being part of something very special, and that their support is greatly appreciated."

Recently, the memorial fund announced that all fundraising will now support the development of Help for Heroes' Fellowship Programme in Scotland, through its Band of Brother and Band of Sister Networks.

The funds will be used to support personnel, veterans as well as their loved ones to access vital life-long support at Phoenix House in Catterick as well as an opportunity to engage regularly with one another in communities across Scotland through a range of sporting, educational and social activities.