Rajinder the 'Skipping Sikh' aged 73 says he'll skip through Christmas and pandemic

There'll be no festive break for 73-year-old Rajinder Singh Harzall dubbed the ‘Skipping Sikh’ as he's intent on skipping through Christmas and the coronavirus pandemic, while making online workout videos to inspire everyone to join him.

Mr Singh has been described as a huge inspiration for many people during the pandemic after his enthusiasm for keeping fit went viral on social media, when his daughter began sharing videos of him exercising.

On 19 November, news of his skipping success even won an award for being the 'Report of the year'.

The 73-year-old is now determined to stay active throughout Christmas to help boost the nation's physical as well as mental wellbeing, following the government's new tier restrictions, announced on 26 November.

"Health is wealth" says Rajinder, 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."

The 73-year-old is raising money for NHS Charities Together which supports NHS staff and volunteers caring for COVID-19 patients.

Rajinder Singh said in a tweet @sikhskiipping: “I love to skip and I’d love you to join me. Please support the fundraiser I’ve set up for the heroes@NHSuk”.

His videos have inspired others to keep fit and he soon got the attention of the Queen who honoured him with an MBE in her Birthday Honours' list. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has awarded him with a Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding individual volunteers.

“I tried skipping because you can do it inside and outside. It’s not easy but it makes you very, very fit”, he told BBC News.

“I try to make a video so people can look at it and they don’t get depression. We still can do meditations and talk to each other about how to do exercise. Do a little exercise step by step. No need to be a body builder".

As well as skipping, Mr Singh can be seen in videos enthusiastically doing high kicks on the spot or exercising with a pull up bar.

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

He wrote on his JustGiving fundraising page: “My challenge to you: Join me, get skipping, get walking, get running, get active and post your videos tagged with #SkippingSikh on all social media…so we can reshare these videos and encourage more people to join the challenge.”

The 73-year-old originally hoped to raise £5,000 but has to date (27 November) raised more than £14,000 for NHS staff and volunteers caring for COVID-19 patients.

To check out the Skipping Sikh’s JustGiving NHS fundraising page and donate money click here