'Skipping Sikh' to run his first marathon aged 74

Rajinder Singh, aka the ‘Skipping Sikh’, will be running his first ever marathon when he takes part in the London Marathon at the age of 74.

Mr Singh, who turns 75 in October will be raising money for the learning disability charity, Mencap.

He said: “I am the skipping Sikh and last year I supported the NHS in the pandemic through the skipping challenge.

"I am turning 75 this year 23rd October 2021 and have always wanted to take part in the London Marathon 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.”

Last year, he became a huge inspiration during lockdown after his enthusiasm for skipping went viral on social media.

"Health is wealth" said Mr Singh, who began skipping at the age of five after being taught by his father who was in the army.

”In the room, you can start skipping. It makes me happy, healthy, especially when I’m jumping and coming down I don’t think anything else but about skipping. Your brain relaxes."

His inspirational videos and fundraising saw him awarded an MBE and Prime Minister Boris Johnson awarded him with a Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding individual volunteers.

Mr Singh says he began his pandemic skipping challenge “to help inspire young and old to get up and get active.”

He hopes to incorporate some skipping into the London Marathon.

To sponsor Rajinder Singh click here