YOUNGSTERS taking part in a Police Scotland-led initiative have received life-saving training thanks to the legacy of a late Crossgates army captain.

The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund, which was started by his brother, Gary, last year, worked in partnership with the Royal Marines, Educate and Develop Training Ltd, Inspire and Lothian Veterans Centre to team up with Fife Division's 'Kickstart' programme to deliver CPR and defibrillator training.

Kickstart was launched by Police Scotland in Kelty last month and aims to engage primary pupils facing a challenging time at school ahead of moving up to high school using the framework of the life of a footballer.

In collaboration with Fife Council, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, SACRO, Active Schools Fife and Cowdenbeath, Kelty Hearts and Dunfermline Athletic football clubs, the project, now in its second year, teaches them skills such as teamwork, decision-making, problem solving, social responsibility and ways to improve their health and wellbeing.

Gary said: "Over 30,000 people will experience a cardiac arrest in local communities across the UK each year and to have provided this group of young people with the confidence and vital life-saving skills to respond and react confidently is an important aspect of David’s legacy.

"David experienced a cardiac arrest running the London Marathon and, despite receiving instant, expert medical attention, he tragically died later in hospital. I think providing young people with the opportunity to learn about vital life-saving skills is so important and I certainly hope we can deliver further sessions in the future.

"It’s been a privilege to work with Callum and Fiona, from Police Scotland, as well as work with Steven (Lothian Veterans Centre, Inspire/Educate and Develop Training Ltd) and Cam (Royal Marines) and I am delighted to have heard such positive feedback from the young people with regards to both sessions."

Captain Seath, an officer of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, lost his life in April 2016 after he suffered a cardiac arrest three miles short of the finishing line while running the London Marathon in aid of Help for Heroes.

The charity fund bearing his name has gone on to raise more than £270,000 and provide more than 170 financial grants to wounded, injured and sick personnel through Help for Heroes.

In June, more than 40 people received similar skills when the fund hosted a free CPR instruction evening in partnership with British Heart Foundation Scotland in Dunfermline.