An age-defying marathon runner known as the ‘Turbaned Tornado’ used his 106th birthday on Saturday to raise money for starving children in Africa.
Born on April 1, 1911, Fauja Singh from Goodmayes – who holds the world record for running a marathon in the 90-plus age group – had a private birthday celebration with close family members.
Davinder Singh, who helped launch the runner’s birthday appeal, told the Recorder: “Fauja decided that, even though not everyone can mark 106 years, he didn’t want a party or a celebration.
“He just told those of us in the community who wanted to do something that we should give £1 or £2 to charity.”
To that end, the 106-year-old, who also holds a British Empire Medal for his charitable work, teamed up with Zero Hunger with Langar, an international charity attempting to end hunger in Malawi.
Just three days after Fauja’s appeal had been posted online, he had raised more than £3,500 for meals for Malawian schoolchildren.
Davinder said: “It’s brilliant that we managed to raise so much so quickly.
“Our dream is to take Fauja out to Malawi to see the good he has done, but it’s difficult with someone his age.
“God-willing he will have a 107th birthday.”
And Davinder, who lives in Birmingham but counts himself one of Fauja’s close friends, believed the centenarian’s appeal is based largely on his honest, selfless spirit.
“He doesn’t do anything for himself, it’s always for other people. He is truly remarkable,” Davinder said.
“I’ve been to marathons all over the world with him and it’s always amazing to see people speak to the winner for two minutes and then rush over to see him.
“He’s such a simple, honest man, and people everywhere he goes really respond to him because of that.”
Harmander Singh, who trains the sprightly 106-year-old, was also full of praise for the man’s achievements.
He told the Recorder: “Fauja is so globally known that I think it’s important we use him as an inspiration as much as possible while we still can.
“He’s an MBE now, and he probably deserves more than that, but he isn’t after anything.
“He just wants to do good for the whole of humanity in any way he can.”
To donate to Fauja’s birthday appeal, visit www.serve.world/fauja-singh-106.
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