The friends of an army veteran who died after collapsing 23 miles into the London Marathon have pledged to walk the final three miles on his behalf for charity.
David Seath, who served in Afghanistan, collapsed after suffering a heart attack on Upper Thames Street near Southwark Bridge. He was rushed to St Thomas's hospital but died later.
Seath grew up in Arbroath before studying at the University of Aberdeen; he then attended Sandhurst and became an officer in 2010. In his most recent role he was a fire support team commander for the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, commanding a "six-man specialist team operating in 'hostile environments'", according to his online CV.
Seath's friends have set up a JustGiving page, which at the time of writing has raised just under £15,000.
On the page they write that they are raising money for the military charity Help for Heroes, a cause he "ran and died for". They add:
Today we heard the tragic news that our friend Dave Seath passed away whilst taking part in the 2016 Virgin London Marathon. 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.
Seath had aimed to raise £250 for the charity, but nearly £1,500 has also been raised on his own JustGiving page.
Lieutenant Colonel Jon Cresswell, Commanding Officer of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, said:
The Regiment was devastated to learn of the tragic loss of Captain Dave Seath during 2016's London Marathon. Dave was an outstanding commando officer, a natural leader and a true gentleman. He was my Assistant Adjutant and so I knew him very well. He served on operations in Helmand with 19th Regiment Royal Artillery before joining the Commando Gunners and earning his green beret.
Witty, charming and polished, Dave was a fabulous host and stylish performer. As such he was the obvious choice to lead the Blue Peter Ten Tors team last year. Selected to train the future officers of the Afghan National Army later this year in the rank of major, Dave had a great career ahead of him. The thoughts of the Regiment are with Gaby and Dave's family and friends at this tragic time. We have lost one of the great characters of our Regiment and take strength from the memory of his example and leadership.