London Marathon runner David Seath dies three miles from the finish line after cardiac arrest

David Seath's friends are planning on walking the final three miles of the race in his honour

The runner who collapsed and died three miles from the London Marathon finish line has been identified as an army captain who had been raising money for wounded soldiers.

David Seath, 31, an Afghanistan veteran and Green Beret, suffered a cardiac arrest around the 23-mile mark of the annual race. He fell in Upper Thames Street, near Southwark Bridge, and was rushed to St Thomas' Hospital by paramedics but died shortly afterwards.

Friends and colleagues of Mr Seath have since set up a new Just Giving fundraising page to continue his fundraising efforts and have recieved more than £30,000 in donations in less than a day.

Mr Seath's friends are planning on walking the final three miles of the race in honour of his memory. Their message on the Just Giving page reads: "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.

"We're raising money for Help for Heroes, a cause he ran and died for. He was our friend and hero. Please share this page far and wide."

Mr Seath grew up in Arbroath, on the East coast of Scotland, before studying International Relations and Management Studies at the University of Aberdeen. He attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and became a commissioned officer in 2010. He was most recently the Fire Support Team Commander for the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, according to his LinkedIn profile, and commanded a six-man sepecialist team operating in "hostile environments" and was the second in command on the ground to the infrantry company commander.

Mr Seath had been hoping to raise £250 for military charity Help For Heroes and by the time of the race had nearly reached his target. On Saturday he wrote: "A big thank you to everyone that has been so generous and sponsoring me for tomorrow.

"I am sure H4H 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."

One of his first donations had come from his niece Maisie, who wrote: "You're my hero uncle Dave, lots of love Maisie xx".

Donations on his original fundraising page have now reached more than £15,000.