© Provided by Evening Standard

A 73-year-old raising money for the NHS by posting inspiring daily workouts online is gaining a following on social media as the 'Skipping Sikh'.

Rajinder Singh, from Slough in Berkshire, says many Sikhs are suffering in isolation following the closure of the Gurdwaras due to the virus outbreak.

To help alleviate loneliness and keep the Sikh community connected, Mr Singh is making exercise videos for those missing their daily exercise, food and prayer.

At the same time, Mr Singh, originally from Punjab, India, is raising money for the NHS.

Skipping at a standard most boxers would envy and sprinting laps of his allotment, his uplifting videos have been shared widely online.

Mr Singh said his father, who was in the army, taught him how to skip.

© Provided by Evening Standard Mr Singh's daughter has been helping him upload his videos to YouTube (Rajinder Singh)

He told the Evening Standard: "I want people to join my lockdown challenge and get their daily exercise in and donate towards this great cause.

"Health is wealth and if we stay home and stay healthy, we are actually helping the NHS not just to save lives because of Covid-19 but also from helping ourselves from getting potentially any other illness especially in the Asian community where we suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol.

"I want to do my bit to help and as a 73-year-old man, I feel so humbled and blessed from the support people are giving me not just in my community from all over the world."

© Provided by Evening Standard The 73-year-old hopes his fitness videos will life people's spirits (Rajinder Singh)

Mr Singh is used to getting exercise while working at his allotment, but he's branching out with skipping sessions and weights in the form of watering cans and tyres.

He says staying at home is a bit of a "culture shock" for the Sikh community, and hopes his videos will lift people's spirits.

He added: "My exercise videos have inspired and motivated everyone, not just elders.

"I want us to do everything we can to support the NHS and lets stay safe, stay home and stay healthy."

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Mr Singh's daughter Minreet Kaur is helping him upload his daily videos to YouTube, asking everyone to join with his fitness challenges.

She said: "My dad started this fundraiser as the NHS are doing such a brilliant job at saving lives, they are our heroes and they work so hard.

"Whilst people would walk away from this pandemic, they are at the frontline doing an absolutely fantastic job."

© Provided by Evening Standard Mr Singh is fundraising for NHS workers on the frontline of the pandemic (Rajinder Singh)

Mr Singh said the reaction to his videos has been "heartwarming" and said people have been getting in touch from around the world.

"It has inspired people to start skipping, some are ordering skipping ropes, others are looking for their skipping ropes and some are just joining in to do exercise," he said.

"My story has made people smile and this is so nice to hear."