CORONAVIRUS didn't stop family, friends and supporters pulling on their walking shoes in honour of a late Army captain – virtually.

More than 130 people headed outdoors to clock the miles by running or walking in the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund Virtual 5k, raising more than £700 in the process.

The event was organised after an annual memorial run in Dunfermline's Pittencrieff Park to remember Captain Seath, who passed away while taking part in the London Marathon four years ago, in April was cancelled due to Covid-19.

Captain Seath, who was 31 and from Crossgates, was raising money for Help for Heroes before suffering a cardiac arrest just three miles short of the finish line.

His family set-up the memorial fund to provide support for armed forces personnel and veterans through Help for Heroes and, so far, it has raised the incredible sum of more than £320,000.

As well as running and walking, supporters completed their remote 5k by taking part in a wide range of activities including cycling, yoga, rowing and even hula-hooping!

One of those who took part was former Beath High School pupil Alice Fox, a member of sportscotland's Young People's Sport Panel and Stirling University student, who completed a walk along with her parents.

She said: "The Seath family happened to live down the road from me and last year we did the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund 5K in Pittencrieff Park.

"However, as with most situations the year, we’ve had to adapt and I completed the virtual 5K in Stirling, whilst my parents did the same at home2. It’s a brilliant cause and we’re so glad to be able to contribute."

Captain Seath's brother, Gary, commented: "We are overwhelmed by the incredible level of engagement and sincerely grateful to our wonderful supporters who, once again, have gone above and beyond with regard to supporting David’s legacy, through our virtual 5K fundraising event.

"It is clear the Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the charity sector and Help for Heroes have announced plans to restructure as a means to ensure their promise of life-long support to the UK armed forces continue remains intact."

Added Gary: "Having experienced a devastating loss of fundraising income, Help for Heroes have faced a 33 per cent rise in new cases coming forward for support during the Covid-19 pandemic, who have responded through a combination of community-facing and virtual support.

"Any fundraising we can undertake during these challenging times is essential to support Help for Heroes continue to adapt and respond to meeting the support needs of personnel, veterans and their families during these unprecedented times.

"Virtual fundraising may prove a vital medium for some time to come and we will endeavour to ensure David’s legacy continues, supporting those whom he cared most passionately about, through Help for Heroes."