THE Captain David Seath Memorial Fund has raised more than £330,000 to help veterans of the UK’s armed forces - and in 2024 a spectacular event is again set to be held geared to keeping up the momentum.

The fund was created in memory of the Crossgates soldier who died after running in the London Marathon.

David Seath served in the army, in Afghanistan, at the time when the Taliban were fighting fiercely in Helmund Province, and when the conflict ended and he returned home, he was determined to raise money for the Help for Heroes organisation, who were working hard to assist injured veterans.

That was why he was took part in the 2016 London Marathon, which saw him collapse just three miles short of the finish.

David’s brother, Gary, and mum Libby, have been involved in the establishment of the Memorial Fund, and last Thursday they were at Cowdenbeath Rotary Club to give an update on how the fund was developing and looking ahead to 2024.

Libby said: “David was determined to do so much fundraising for Help for Heroes after returning from Afghanistan, and by the time he ran in the London Marathon in 2016 he had already raised a lot of funding to support the organisation, which does so much for veterans.

“After his death, we wanted to do something in his memory for Help for Heroes, an organisation which does so much to help forces veterans and their families, and the David Seath Memorial Fund was established. As time has gone by we have been able to run some interesting events which each year raises important funds for HFH.”

This funding helps case management services, online recovery courses, sport and fellowship, and mental health wellbeing, among many other services.

Gary took up the story: “The Fund has had some fantastic backing from the community of west and Central Fife, and beyond, and for 2024 we have a number of events in the pipeline.

“We will have a 5K run and walk, at Pitencrieff Park, in Dunfermline, in April, to coincide with the London Marathon, which is something which anyone can enjoy taking part in, in a lovely setting.

“Then in November we will have a special quiz evening, which proves very popular with people of all ages.

“And in between these we will have an interesting, and in some ways, a spectacular fundraiser, with the 60K, which will challenge individuals and teams to run through 12 Parkrun locations, ranging from the Lothians to Lochore Meadows Country Park, this summer.

“It is something which can involve serious park runners and also those who just like to go out for a jog, and teams of runners will be welcomed.

“We have had tremendous support from the public for our events, and we are so grateful to everyone who backs the David Seath Memorial Fund.”

During the meeting the Rotary Club made a donation of £100 to the Fund.