British Army war hero named as London Marathon runner who died three miles from finish

Captain David Seath who died running the London marathon

A MARATHON runner who collapsed and died three miles from the finish line of yesterday's race has been named as a popular British Army captain who served in Afghanistan.

David Seath suffered a suspected cardiac arrest in the latter stages of the London Marathon on Sunday and was treated by paramedics at the roadside.
The 31-year-old was taken to St Thomas’ Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards. 

Captain Seath, from Cowdenbeath in Fife, Scotland, was a Fire Support Team Commander with the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.

The Afghanistan veteran was based in Plymouth, Devon, and had done other charity work including with groups which helped visually impaired Army veterans, including Royal Blind and Scottish War Blinded.
Before his death he raised around £500 for Help for Heroes by entering the London Marathon and in his final online message thanked his supporters.

Speaking after his death, fellow Army officer and close friend James Walker-McClimens said: "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."

Captain Seath also gained two Masters degrees from the University of Aberdeen before competing his Army training at Sandhurst in 2010.
In his last message before the race, the much-loved war hero said: "A big thank you to everyone that has been so generous and sponsoring me for tomorrow.
"I am sure H4H [Help For Heroes] 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."