PICKING up a prize at last year’s Dunfermline Press and Central Fife Times Community Champions Awards was an “honour” for the Captain David Seath Memorial Fund.

Nominations are now open for the 2018 awards, which will culminate in a sparkling prizegiving ceremony at the Glen Pavilion in Dunfermline on Friday June 8.

The aim is to recognise, reward and celebrate the people who make our communities a better place – and the winner of the 2017 Central Fife Charity Champion of the Year award are a shining example of that.

The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund was set up in honour of the late Crossgates army captain who passed away while running the 2016 London Marathon in aid of Help for Heroes.

A commando who served in Afghanistan and the Middle East with the 19th Regiment Royal Artillery and the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery respectively, he died after suffering a cardiac arrest just three miles short of the finish line.

A month later his brother, Gary, launched the charity that raises money to help armed forces personnel and veterans through Help for Heroes Quick Reaction Fund, which provides specialist sports equipment, respite breaks and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder therapy.

So far, the Captain Seath fund’s selfless work has raised £276,000 and provided more than 240 welfare grants for those living with life-changing physical injuries and psychological trauma.

Gary said: “We are sincerely grateful to the local community who continue to support the legacy we have established for David through The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund and it was, therefore, an honour to attend last year’s award ceremony and receive the Community Champion Award.

“The event is a wonderful celebration of so many inspirational people, causes and initiatives which, woven together, forms the very fabric of our unique community spirit.”

If you know someone who, for example, is the beating heart of sport, a teacher that is an inspiration to pupils, an outstanding child whose achievements, courage or bravery make your heart burst with pride, or who you think is worthy of a nomination in any of our 10 award categories, make sure you nominate by Wednesday April 25.

To choose your champ, click here.