Youngsters from a Fife swimming club have immersed themselves in an incredible swimming challenge in memory of a local hero.
Members of Carnegie Swmming Club have raised more than £2,000 so far after swimming the equivalent of the length of the English Channel and back in honour of Captain David Seath, who tragically died running the London Marathon earlier this year.
Captain Seath, 31, who came from the Dunfermline area, collapsed just three miles short of the finishing line after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest, having been running the race for armed forces charity Help the Heroes.
Upon completing the London Marathon, it has emerged that Captain Seath’s next challenge was to swim the Channel – so Carnegie Swimming Club decided to complete that feat in his memory.
Between them, eight squads of Carnegie swimmers didn’t just complete their target but doubled it, swimming a magnificent 94 miles (or 6,070 lengths of the pool at Carnegie Leisure Centre) – the equivalent of England to France and back twice.
They were supported by spectators and parents, as well as Captain Seath’s mum and dad Libby and Pete, and brother Gary, who presented each participant with a certificate and a medal.
Speaking on behalf of Captain Seath’s family, Gary said: “Throughout his life, David’s sporting and professional achievements inspired many.
“We are certain that he would have been so proud of all the young swimmers from Carnegie Swimming Club who, inspired by his story, took on this momentous challenge.”
Lynne Hemmings, a parent of one of the children who took part, said the swimmers had done amazingly well.
“It was so nice to see Captain Seath’s family there and personally thanking each and every one of the kids,” she said.
“They came away feeling really proud of themselves and very special.
“I am sure David is looking down on them all and is bursting with pride at what they achieved and absolutely smashing through his target.”
Carnegie Swimming Club president Alison Leslie said Captain Seath had been a close friend of the family of one of their members, adding: “He had mentioned to them that swimming the Channel was his ambition so we were delighted to have organised this event in memory of our local hero.”
The sponsorship money raised by the swimmers’ endeavours will boost the Help for Heroes Captain David Seath Memorial Fund which will provide financial grants to wounded service personnel and veterans for rehabilitation, home adaptations or support to gain qualifications and setting up businesses.
Last month, the fund provided its first financial grant to enable a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, subsequently diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, to establish his own electrical safety testing business.
Help for Heroes co-founders Bryn Parry said it had been a privilege to set up the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund to provide support to those whose lives are affected by their service.
“It is already having a positive impact on early beneficiaries of the fund and it will continue to do so for a long time to come,” he added.
“And this longevity will ensure that Captain Seath will never be forgotten.
“All those raising funds in David’s memory will have the satisfaction of knowing that they will help rebuild lives of those who, like David, gave so much to their country.”
David Seath’s friends and family have a Just Giving page which can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/remember/319489/David-Seath
The family have also set up a Facebook page for messages of condolence which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/CaptainDavidSeath/
