The money has been donated to Help for Heroes in memory of Captain David Seath who collapsed three miles from the finishing line

Over £175,000 has been raised for charity in memory of a Scots soldier who tragically died while taking part in the London marathon.

Captain David Seath (31) suffered a cardiac arrest just over three miles short of the finish line of the race which took place on 24 April.

Capt Seath was originally from Cowdenbeath in Fife but was based in Plymouth, Devon where he was a support team commander in 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.

He was competing in the race to raise money for veterans’ charity Help for Heroes.

On his own JustGiving page, where he was attempting to raise £250 for the charity, over £76,000 has been donated since his death.

He was our friend and hero - Capt James Walker-McClimens

Captain David Seath

Capt Seath had posted on the page the day before the marathon thanking those who had helped him surpass the £200 mark.

His friends have also set up a JustGiving page raising money for Help for Heroes which has raised over £99,500.

Captain James Walker-McClimens, of the 7th Parachute Royal Horse Artilerry, who launched the page said a group of Capt Seath’s friends and colleagues would also complete the marathon for him.

He posted: “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.”

Help for Heroes paid tribute to Capt Seath. A spokesperson said: “David was doing something extraordinary by running the London Marathon to fundraise and support his fellow soldiers who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses.

“Help for Heroes sees every fundraiser as one of Team H4H and we are devastated by the news.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his regiment and his friends.”

Capt Seath joined the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2009, and served in Afghanistan.

His parents Libby and Pete, his brother Gary, his girlfriend Gaby, and his aunt Morag paid tribute to him and welcomed donations to Help for Heroes in his memory.

Libby Seath said: “David has achieved more in 31 years than most people do in 70.

“He lived his life on the edge and to the full. He was running to raise money for Help the Heroes, a cause which was very important to him.”

Lieutenant Colonel Jon Cresswell, commanding officer of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery added: “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.”