The brother of the late Captain David Seath will attempt an epic 60km running challenge in support of the legacy established to help veterans in his name.
The endurance event on Saturday will involve Gary Seath, founder of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, and his friend, Ben Waite, who will take on 12 Parkrun routes across central Scotland to coincide with Armed Forces Day.
Starting in Cramond at 4.25am, the team is encouraging the public to join them at 12 locations throughout the day, and are due to finish in Dunfermline, the hometown of Captain David Seath, at 8pm.
It follows a 50km fundraising event in 2019 which raised over £1,500 in support of the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund.
Funds raised will support veterans and their families, through Help for Heroes, the charity Captain Seath was raising funds for when he died running the 2016 London Marathon.
The 31-year-old had a cardiac arrest three miles short of the finish, near the 23-mile mark, close to Southwark Bridge.
He received urgent medical attention and was taken to St Thomas’ Hospital but later died.
The fund has raised over £350,000 to date which funds vital mental health services, comradeship activities, as well as supporting veterans to develop employability skills and much more.
Gary Seath, 40, who is from Dunfermline, said: “Both Ben and I agreed that the 50km event proved so memorable in bringing so many runners together to raise funds in David’s memory, that we should give things another go.
“The event proves a true test of stamina, determination and commitment; all of which are core values reflected in the commando ethos that David believed in very strongly.
“Whether you’d like to join us for all 12 or simply one park run along the way, everyone is warmly welcome to join our force for good on Saturday.”
Last month, Gary was named winner of the prestigious Reservist of the Year Award at the Scottish Ex-Forces in Business Awards.
He received the award in recognition of his charitable work with the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, Help for Heroes, and Forces Children Scotland, whilst also being an active member of 105th Regiment (The Scottish and Ulster Gunners) Royal Artillery.
Ben Waite was part of the 2019 ‘50k in a Day’ challenge team and has played an instrumental role in coordinating the twelve Parkrun locations for this year’s endurance event.
“I’m in awe of all that has been achieved in David’s memory through the fund and can’t wait to take part in the 60k in a Day challenge,” said Ben.
“The 50K event in 2019 was such a special day and the support, both through donations and turn out meant so much to us and here’s hoping we can attract similar support this year.”
Donations can be made at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cdsmf-60kchallenge
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