Tributes to former Fife army captain who died running London Marathon

Tributes have been paid to the Afghanistan veteran who collapsed and died three miles short of the London Marathon finish line.

He was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service but later died.

Captain David Seath, a fire support team commander in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, grew up in Cowdenbeath before going on to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Mr Seath had been running for the charity Help For Heroes because he said on his fundraising page “the forces community need our help and continued support”.

His mother 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 For Heroes, a cause which was very important to him.”

Friends and colleagues of the Army captain are now vowing to “complete what he started” - finishing the marathon course for him and continuing to raise cash for his chosen charity.

In a JustGiving page created by James Walker McClimens, it reads: “He was three miles short of the finish line and collapsed on Upper Thames Street.

“His friends and colleagues are planning to complete what he started, in his honour. We will walk as one, the final three miles of the marathon, starting where he fell.

“We’re raising money for Help For Heroes, a cause he ran and died for. He was our friend and hero. Please share this page far and wide.”

The fundraising site has received a huge support, reaching nearly £27,000 by Monday afternoon.

Mr Seath, who was serving at RM Condor near Arbroath, completed two masters degrees at the University of Aberdeen before joining the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2009.

Before the run he posted on his JustGiving page: “A big thank you to everyone that has been so generous and sponsoring me for tomorrow.

“I am sure H4H will be equally as appreciative. Every penny counts and to have broken the £200 mark with your help is very special. Thank you all so much.”

Since his death the total on his JustGiving page now stands at more than £11,000