‘Skipping Sikh’ is set for marathon charity effort
SINGH TO RUN LONDON ‘MILESTONE’ EVENT
RAJINDER SINGH, who is popularly known as the ‘Skipping Sikh’, will run his first marathon next month to raise money for charity.
The 74-year-old Sikh pensioner, who moved from India to England in 1971, will participate in the 26.2-mile London Marathon on October 3 to raise money for Mencap, which supports those with learning disabilities. He will turn 75 three weeks after the event, on October 23.
Singh was recognised with an MBE for services to health and fitness in the Queen’s birthday honours list in June.
He has already raised £2,255 against the target £5,000 from 88 supporters.
“It’s the first time I’m running the London marathon and I’ll be turning 75. My daughter nominated me as I’ve always wanted to do it, but have never been successful in getting a place. I can’t wait to run with so many others and I hope to skip over the finishing line,” he told Eastern Eye.
“I am turning 75 this year, and this is a dream come true for me. This year I am going to attempt skipping and if I don’t do it, my daughter will. Please join me on my journey as I train for the next six months and get ready for the biggest milestone ever,” Singh says in his appeal on the fund-raising website, Justgiving.
Singh, from Hillingdon, west London, has been active and interested in fitness from a young age.
He learned from his father, a soldier, and was taught how to skip from an early age. Now, he tries to exercise four or five times a day.
Currently, he is preparing for his first marathon. He runs with his daughter, Minreet, and his wife, Pritpal Kaur, who is herself mastering hula hooping.
Singh starred in exercise videos that went viral during the Covid-19 lockdowns, after he became concerned that some members of the Sikh community were feeling isolated as gurdwaras were closed in the initial lockdown. His exercise videos proved a hit on social media and helped raise more than £14,000 for NHS charities.