£100k f loods in for Army hero, 31, in marathon tragedy
THE tragic death of an Afghanistan hero who collapsed three miles before the end of the London Marathon has prompted a flood of charity cash in his memory.
Captain David Seath, 31, suffered a suspected heart attack on Sunday.
The Sandhurst-trained officer, who served in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, had been hoping to raise a modest £200 for Help For Heroes.
But yesterday grieving friends and members of the public smashed his target by donating more than £100,000 in only a few hours. Army comrades also said they wanted to ‘finish what he started’ and complete the final three miles of the marathon in his memory. Close friend Captain James Walker-McClimens described the popular officer as ‘our friend and hero’, adding: ‘In the Army we don’t like unfinished business, it was something he wanted to do –
‘Our friend and hero’
he wanted to do the full marathon, so we are going to complete it for him. He was raising money for Help For Heroes so we just want to carry on that theme.’
He added: ‘He was the greatest type of guy you could imagine – everyone loved him. He was funny, outgoing, generous – he was just not a bad guy in any way, shape or form.’
Donations were last night pouring in to a JustGiving page set up by friends at a rate of £25 a minute, with hundreds of wellwishers leaving heartbreaking tributes to the talented young soldier.
Capt Seath, described by comrades as ‘an outstanding commando officer and a true gentleman’, leaves behind his partner Gaby Schoenberger, parents Libby and Pete and brother Gary. His mother spoke of her devastation last night, adding: ‘David has achieved more in 31 years than most people do in 70. He lived his life on the edge and to the full.’ The soldier was said to be ‘happy and jolly’ in his last hours. In his final online message, he thanked his supporters and encouraged people to support the charity because ‘the forces community need our help and continued support’. Fellow runners said he joked and sang with them, keeping their spirits up during Sunday’s road race. Lisa Taylor wrote on his fundraising page: ‘He was loving it. We sang Islands in the Stream together. Very badly and so out of tune. Such a sad day.’
Originally from Cowdenbeath in Fife, Capt Seath studied for two masters degrees at the University of Aberdeen before completing his Army training at Sandhurst in 2010.
He served on operations in the Nahr- e- Saraj district of Helmand province with 19th Regi- ment Royal Artillery. He later joined 29 Commando, based in Plymouth, as a fire support team commander.
Capt Seath had also worked with groups which helped visually impaired Army veterans, including Royal Blind and Scottish War Blinded.
His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jon Cresswell, yesterday described the officer as ‘witty, charming and polished’. ‘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. ‘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.
‘We have lost one of the great characters of our regiment and take strength from the memory of his example and leadership.’
Marathon organisers confirmed Capt Seath collapsed near Southwark Bridge at the 23- mile mark. He received ‘immediate medical attention’ but died in hospital. ÷To donate, go to justgiving. com/H4HeroDavidSeath