Coventry's Sikh community came together to raise £5k on annual charity walk - The Coventry Observer

Coventry's Sikh community came together to raise £5k on annual charity walk

Coventry Editorial 19th Sep, 2018   0

COVENTRY’S Sikh community came together for its 33rd annual charity walk, raising £5,000 for a local cause.

Hundreds of walkers – united across all faiths – took to the streets for the Sri Guru Tegh Bhuadur Ji Charity Walk on Sunday (September 16) organised by the Sikh Union.

The procession honours the importance of Guru Tegh Bhuadur Ji, who was the ninth of the ten Gurus of the Sikh religion.

He is revered for sacrificing his life, to protect the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, to freely practice your beliefs without fear, bias or discrimination, the charity says.




The mammoth charity effort was in aid of Mercia MS Therapy Centre.

The centre is dedicated to providing therapy and support for those with multiple sclerosis – a life-long condition which affects the brain and spinal cord, causing disability – along with other conditions.


The Lord Mayor of Coventry John Blundell officially started the fundraiser at Ramgarhia Gurdwara, Foleshill Road, with a ribbon cutting ceremony, as well as participating in the event.

He walked alongside Coventry’s official Lady Godiva Pru Porretta MBE and former Lord Mayor councillor Ram Lakha.

Inspirational prayers and candles were lit at Coventry Cathedral by Gurpinder Kaur and club chairman Palvinder Singh Chana alongside The Very Reverend John Witcombe, Dean of Coventry, in remembrance of the sacrifice made by Guru Tegh Buhadur Ji.

The event covered a route of 15km with refreshments stations provided en route by local churches, including St. Pauls Church and Coventry Cathedral, mandhirs (Hindu temples) and gurdwaras.

Chairman of the Sikh Union Coventry Palvinder Singh Chana said: “It’s been a fabulous day, and the event has raised some much needed funds for the Mercia MS Therapy Centre. It’s great to see the local community come together, and we would like to thank everyone who participated today and generously supported the event.

“Serving others through ‘seva’ or selfless service is a core part of Sikh culture to help rid oneself of ego and pride whilst cultivating humility and compassion for others.”

Community and corporate fundraiser for Mercia MS Therapy Centre, Vicki Kavanagh, said: “We are overwhelmed by the support we have received from so many people and the Sikh Union. We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has been involved.”

The Sikh Union is a Coventry-based charity, working in the community, managing projects that support vulnerable children and adults, in partnership with local, national and International charities.

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