Friends and family of a Fife soldier who tragically died during the London Marathon earlier this year have raised more than £6,500 by leaping out of a plane.
Captain David Seath, originally from Cowdenbeath, had been running for Help the Heroes when he collapsed just over three miles from the finish line in April, and various fundraising events to bolster the worthy cause have been held in his memory since.
One of those has been the #SkydiveForDave challenge, with all funds raised going to support the newly-formed Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, which provides financial grants through Help for Heroes to wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans of the British armed forces.
Skydiving in tandem at Netheravon Army Parachute Centre, nine participants — including David’s aunt and uncle Morag and David Tunstall, from Dunfermline — exited the plane at the maximum 13,500ft and experienced an exhilarating, adrenaline-fueled 50-second free fall before canopies were deployed at 6,000ft.
The subsequent canopy ride provided poignant views of Larkhill and Salisbury Plain where Captain Seath completed young officer and artillery training, as well as Tidworth where he was based with 19th Regiment Royal Artillery.
The challenge was organised by Major Pete Alexander, who served with Captain Seath in Afghanistan, and was one of the skydiving instructors on the day.
Major Alexander said: “I wanted to organise an event that would challenge people, take them out of their comfort zone and learn something of the courage Captain Seath displayed in his day-to-day life as an army officer.
“The event was a resounding success and the biggest thank you must go to all who took part.
“They have raised an incredible amount of money to provide support to our servicemen and women.”
His wife Lizzie, who also took to the skies, added: “Captain Seath was one of my husband’s best friends.
“I wanted to do something in his memory and help raise money for the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund.
“It was a fantastically sunny day, perfect weather and it was a privilege to spend the day with Captain Seath’s family.”
David’s aunt and uncle hope they can continue David’s legacy and help more wounded, injured and sick service personnel.
“After David’s tragic death in April, we wanted to do something that was reflective of him and his enthusiasm for life,” Morag and David said in a statement.
“He loved living on the edge.”
A total of 154 financial grants has been provided so far through The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund to Help for Heroes which has enabled essential rehabilitation, specialist equipment procurement and adapted room conversions as well as facilitate supported employment placements and the setting up of businesses.
Bryn Parry, chief executive of Help for Heroes, said: “Captain David Seath was doing something extraordinary by running the London Marathon to fundraise and support his fellow Servicemen and women who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses.
“His family and friends have followed his lead by doing challenges up and down the country in his honour and continue the fundraising that he started.
“Their continued fundraising is allowing us to give grants to individuals as they rebuild their lives.”
