A MEMORIAL fund set up in honour of a late Crossgates army captain less than two years ago has raised £276,000 for armed forces personnel and veterans through Help for Heroes.

And as the spring approaches there are a number of fundraising activities coming up to boost the fund.

The legacy of Captain David Seath, who passed away while running the 2016 London Marathon for the charity, has ensured that more than 240 welfare grants have been provided for those living with life-changing physical injuries and psychological trauma through Help for Heroes' Quick Reaction Fund (QRF).

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, died after suffering a cardiac arrest just three miles short of the finish line.

A month later his brother, Gary, launched the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund – named the Times Community Champion Awards Charity Champion of the Year last year – in his honour and every donation that is made supports the QRF, which provides specialist sports equipment, respite breaks and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) therapy.

The fund also facilities supported employment placements, training courses and the setting up of small businesses and Gary said that the wellbeing of those under his command, as well as veterans, was something David "cared passionately" about.

"As an officer in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, David cared passionately about supporting the positive health and wellbeing of the men under his command as well as veterans," he said.

"It was for these reasons alone which, ultimately, led to his decision to run the London Marathon in support of Help for Heroes.

"It was very important that we established a legacy for David, which has provided a very important positive focus for our family, as well as his friends and colleagues in the Army.

"It was imperative that the money raised was put to use straight away supporting those who David cared passionately about and to have now supported over 240 beneficiaries is incredible."

In raising the massive six-figure sum, David's family have established events such as a 5K run in Dunfermline's Pittencrieff Park, a golf day and a pub quiz, while the fund has also been supported by individuals, community groups and local businesses who have, and continue, to take on challenge events and organise fundraising initiatives.

The 5K run, which raised more than £1,600 last year, will return for a second year on April 22 and Gary added: "We have been overwhelmed by the considerable numbers of inspirational people who have generously donated money and participated in challenge events across the globe as well as local community groups and businesses who have organised fundraising initiatives in support of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund.

"Thanks to the support we have received we have achieved an incredible legacy for David, and we are incredibly grateful to the local community and beyond."