Marathon collapse Afghanistan veteran hailed as 'hero' at funeral

An Afghanistan veteran who died after collapsing during the London Marathon has been hailed a "hero" and an "inspiration" at his funeral.

Mourners were told that Captain David Seath, a fire support team commander in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, had "served his country with distinction" overseas.

Capt Seath, originally from Cowdenbeath in Fife but based in Plymouth, Devon, suffered a suspected cardiac arrest while running the 26.2-mile course on April 24 and later died in hospital.

Family members, friends and military colleagues gathered for a service at St Margaret's RC Memorial Church, in the Fife town of Dunfermline, to remember the 31-year-old.

During the service, Captain James Walker-McClimens read a tribute on behalf of Capt Seath's brother Gary.

He recounted childhood memories and spoke of his brother's love of cars and sport.

The speaker told the hundreds of gathered mourners: "David was my hero and my inspiration. I was so proud to say that he was a Captain in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery and that he served his country with distinction in Afghanistan and the Middle East."

He went on: "Words can't express how proud I was listening to him as he described his tours of Afghanistan and the Middle East.

"I learnt so much about David's tours of duty, the strong bond of comradeship he had found in the Army as well as the many plans he had for the future.

"There are no words to express how devastated I am that this story has so tragically ended, with so many chapters left unwritten.

"I take great strength in the memories of him and the pride that he had in being an officer of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.

"He was dedicated to his men and supporting those who could not fight for themselves against the tyranny of the modern world."