Funeral Of Fife Army Captain This Week

3 May 2016, 17:36

The funeral of an Afghanistan veteran and Green Beret who died after collapsing during the London Marathon will be held this week.

Captain David Seath, originally from Cowdenbeath in Fife but based in Plymouth, Devon, was a fire support team commander in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.

The 31-year-old suffered a suspected cardiac arrest while running the 26.2 mile course on Sunday April 24 and later died in hospital.

He will be laid to rest following a funeral in Dunfermline on Thursday, the Army has confirmed.

The service will be held at St Margaret's RC Memorial Church in the town and will be led by parish priest Father Chris Heenan.

A family notice published in the Dunfermline Press said the service would be a "celebration of David's life'', and mourners are encouraged to wear bright colours.

Capt Seath fell ill at the 23-mile mark while taking part in the race.

His girlfriend subsequently told how his death has left a "devastatingly large hole in our lives''.

Gaby Schoenberger paid tribute to him on Facebook last week, and thanked the public for their support.

She wrote: "I cannot begin to describe the pain that I, his family and friends are feeling right now. It doesn't make sense, and a character like his being taken away so viciously leaves such a devastatingly large hole in our lives.

"I don't know how we are going to fill that hole, get through it or even come to terms with it, but your support is so appreciated and like a blanket for us during these dark times.''

Following his death, Capt Seath's friends and colleagues vowed to continue to raise money for his chosen charity, Help for Heroes.

More than £100,000 has been donated to a JustGiving page in his memory, while over £77,000 has been raised for the charity on his own page.