Tri-Service

Hundreds Turn Out For Funeral Of Fallen Marathon Soldier

Hundreds of mourners have gathered for the funeral of a soldier who died after collapsing during the London Marathon.

Captain David Seath, 31, an Afghanistan Veteran and Green Beret, was based in Plymouth.

Originally from Fife in Scotland, Captain Seath was serving with 29 Commando Royal Artillery and was closely linked to many military charities.

Family members, friends and colleagues attended the service, led by parish priest Father Chris Heenan, at St Margaret's RC Memorial Church, Dunfermline.

He had hoped to run 26 miles to raise money for Help for Heroes, but fell tragically short after collapsing three miles from the finish line on Upper Thames Street.

Police and paramedics treated Captain Seath at the scene and he was taken to St Thomas' hospital but he died a short time later.

At the end of last year Forces TV filmed him working with the charity Scottish War Blinded, where he was getting an art lesson in how to paint with a visual impairment.

His visit to Scottish War Blinded was part of a series of events put on by the centre for their veterans, allowing them to keep in touch with today's Armed Forces.

Captain Seath told Forces TV's Ali Gibson the visit was "awe-inspiring".

A Justgiving fundraising page, set up in honour of Captain Seath has raised over £100,000 for Help for Heroes.

The Justgiving page reads 'he was our friend and hero' and that the date and time of the event is yet to be confirmed.

Captain Seath's own fundraising page has raised almost £80,000.

His target was £250.

Friends and colleagues are planning to complete what he started and in his honour will walk the final three miles of the marathon, starting where he fell.

David’s parents Libby and Pete, his brother Gary, his girlfriend Gaby Judd, and his aunt Morag paid tribute to David and welcomed donations in David’s memory. Libby Seath said:

"David has achieved more in 31 years than most people do in 70. He lived his life on the edge and to the full. He was running to raise money for Help the Heroes, a cause which was very important to him."

Lieutenant Colonel Jon Cresswell, Commanding Officer of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, said:

"The regiment was devastated to learn of the tragic loss of Captain Dave Seath during 2016’s London Marathon. Dave was an outstanding commando officer, a natural leader and a true gentleman."

"He was my Assistant Adjutant and so I knew him very well. He served on operations in Helmand with 19th Regiment Royal Artillery before joining the Commando Gunners and earning his green beret.

"Witty, charming and polished, Dave was a fabulous host and stylish performer. As such he was the obvious choice to lead the Blue Peter Ten Tors team last year.

"Selected to train the future officers of the Afghan National Army later this year in the rank of major, Dave had a great career ahead of him.

"The thoughts of the regiment are with Gaby and Dave’s family and friends at this tragic time. We have lost one of the great characters of our regiment and take strength from the memory of his example and leadership."

A spokesperson for Scottish War Blinded, meanwhile, said:

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic news. Captain David Seath was very supportive and a great friend of Scottish War Blinded and our members enjoyed meeting him on many occasions in the last few years.