THE memory of late Crossgates army captain David Seath has been honoured by 150 supporters raising £1,400 for the charity bearing his name at the weekend.

A virtual 5k, encouraging participants to walk, run, cycle or swim, took place on Sunday to raise funds for the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, which was set up following his death five years ago.

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, passed away while running the 2016 London Marathon in aid of Help for Heroes.

He suffered a cardiac arrest just three miles short of the finish line and, following his death, his family set up the memorial fund, which has raised more than £320,000 to support armed forces personnel, veterans and their families through Help for Heroes.

Since 2017, a memorial 5k run / walk has been held in Pittencrieff Park on the weekend closest to the date of Captain Seath's passing, but COVID-19 saw the 2020 event postponed until October and held virtually.

From West Fife to Western Australia, supporters family, friends and charity supporters of all ages did their bit to support his legacy, and were able to complete their activity at a time which suited them, whilst provided scope to introduce further activities like golf and even kayaking.

Reflecting on a poignant weekend for the family, Captain Seath's brother, Gary, commented: "The support we received this weekend meant a lot to our family as we mark five years since David tragically died running the London Marathon and the establishment of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund.

"It is clear the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound affect on how the third sector continues to raise funds as well as present unique challenges to adapt and respond effectively to continue supporting the needs of beneficiaries.

"Virtual services has proved critical during these unprecedented times, which have served to reduce isolation and ensure veterans and their families remain connected with one another and the team at Help for Heroes over the past year.

"It’s been a journey of poignant sorrow, unceasing effort and incredible life-changing moments for so many, who have collectively raised over £320,000.00 to support personnel, veterans and their families, through Help for Heroes.

"A decision was made at 4am in a London hotel to attempt to establish a legacy for David. The kindness, commitment and compassion of so many has led to its realisation and so much more than any one could ever have imagined."

Since the outbreak of the pandemic last March, the memorial fund has supported the delivery of more than 160 virtual sessions to veterans through Help for Heroes.

Popular activities have included a regular quiz, murder mystery and escape room events, and drawing, painting, adult colouring-in book and model-making sessions.

To find out more about the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, visit https://captainseathmemorialfund.blog/, or find them on Facebook or Twitter.