Amrit Singh, the award-winning retailer behind H & Jodies Nisa Local in Walsall, completed the London Marathon on Sunday (27 April) despite facing significant physical challenges during the race.
Singh, who won the Spirit of the Community Award at the 2022 Asian Trader Awards, raised more than £5,400 for the Stroke Association, a charity providing support for stroke survivors and their families.
“It was tough. It was humbling. But it was also one of the most meaningful experiences of my life,” Singh wrote in a social media post, after completing the 26.2-mile course.
The marathon proved more difficult than anticipated as Singh sustained two injuries early in the race, forcing him to walk most of the course. Despite these setbacks, he persevered to cross the finish line.
“Through it all, I kept thinking about why I was doing it: for the Stroke Association, and for families like mine who’ve been affected by stroke,” he said.
Singh's participation in the London Marathon as part of #TeamStroke was deeply personal. In 2022, his mother suffered a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), often called a 'mini-stroke.'
“This was completely out of the blue and it turned our family upside down,” Singh said. “Thankfully with God's grace and great support from friends and family, she has made an excellent recovery. Occasionally having bad days and understanding some new limitations, her life is back to normal.”
Singh noted that many stroke survivors aren't as fortunate, which motivated his fundraising efforts. “The incredible work [the Stroke Association has] done in facilitating care and support for survivors is the reason I am raising funds for them via this Marathon Run,” he said.
According to statistics shared by Singh, there are over 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK, with 100,000 strokes occurring annually – equivalent to one stroke every five minutes.
The Stroke Association works to provide lifelong support for stroke survivors and their families across the UK, offering rehabilitation services, emotional support, and funding critical research.
Singh undertook the challenge to mark the beginning of his 30s with something that would test him physically and mentally.
“Crossing the finish line taught me something powerful: sometimes, it's not about how you get there. It's about refusing to quit, no matter how hard it gets,” Singh reflected.
He expressed gratitude to everyone who supported his marathon journey through donations, messages, and sharing his fundraising campaign. “This was for my mum, for all the survivors out there, and for a future where more families get a second chance,” he said.
