Gravesendian duo take on the ultimate drive from Gravesend to India in father’s memory to raise money for the British Heart Foundation

Press release

gtaTwo friends from Gravesend are aiming to travel over 8,000 miles, across 15 countries, in 14 days by driving from Gravesend to Amritsar in India to raise money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) as part of its Raise Funds Your Way campaign.

Jagjit Singh, alongside his friend Rapinder Singh, are hoping to raise £25,000 for the BHF’s Mending Broken Hearts Appeal which aims to find a cure for heart failure after Jagjit lost his father to a heart attack in 2012.

The duo set off in a Discovery G4 on Monday 1 February 2016 from the Guru Nanak Darbar in Gravesend travelling through Germany, Austria, Turkey and Iran, amongst others to the Golden Temple in Amritsar.   They are hoping to complete the challenge in 14 days and have applied to the Limca World Book of Records in India in the  hope of setting a record for cross-continental travel in the shortest time.

Speaking of the upcoming challenge Jagjit, 38, said:  “We are dedicating the expedition to my father, who we lost suddenly to a heart attack at the age of 56.  When I lost my father, Rapinder was a great support and together we hope to raise £25,000 for the BHF’s Mending Broken Hearts Appeal.  

“Amritsar is significant, as it is one of the holiest cities for Sikhs and we’re excited for the challenge and the chance to see so many countries in a fortnight!   We hope to complete the challenge in 14 days and hope to take the record whilst raising money for the BHF’s life saving research.”

The BHF receives no Government funding and relies entirely on the generosity of its supporters to continue funding new cardiovascular research.

The charity is calling on people across the UK to organise their own unique fundraising events like Jagjit, from raffles to cake sales, barn dances to zumbathons, to help fund new life saving discoveries in the fight against heart disease.

Luke Mallet, Head of Community Fundraising at the BHF, said: “We never cease to be amazed by the extraordinary lengths people go to fundraise for the BHF. Every contribution, big or small, plays a crucial part in every breakthrough we make so we are incredibly grateful to Jagjit and Rapinder for choosing to support the BHF in their upcoming expedition. 

“However, we urgently need more people to join our fight for every heartbeat and help power our life saving research. That’s why we’re calling on everyone across the UK to Raise Funds Your Way to help support our vital work. 

“By organising your fundraising event you can help transform the lives of the seven million people living with the burden of cardiovascular disease.”

For more information on how to Raise Funds Your Way and to get your free fundraising pack visit www.bhf.org.uk/yourway for fantastic ideas on how to get involved.

To support the Jagjit and Rapinder in their challenge, visit www.justgiving.com/gravesendtoamritsar 


For more information and images please contact Emily Garner or Jackie McMillan on 0207 554 0227 or email garnere@bhf.org.uk / mcmillanj@bhf.org.uk.  Alternatively call the BHF press office on 020 7554 0164 or 07764 290381 (out of hours) or email newsdesk@bhf.org.uk.

About the British Heart Foundation:

bhfCoronary heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer. For over 50 years we’ve pioneered research that’s transformed the lives of people living with heart and circulatory conditions. Our work has been central to the discoveries of vital treatments that are changing the fight against heart disease.

But so many people still need our help. From babies born with life-threatening heart problems to the many Mums, Dads and Grandparents who survive a heart attack and endure the daily battles of heart failure.

Join our fight for every heartbeat in the UK. Every pound raised, minute of your time and donation to our shops will help make a difference to people’s lives. For more information visit bhf.org.uk

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