“Macmillan is a charity close to my heart, two years ago my sister passed away after living with cancer for ten years.”
Moortown Grandad, Gurbaksh Landa, 55, has raised over £2,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support by taking part in his first triathlon.
The Leeds grandad of five completed the AJ Bell World Triathlon which started in Roundhay Park on 5th June.
Gurbaksh was motivated to raise money for the charity after the support his sister received and wants to spread the message about the benefits of giving to charitable causes.
Having doubled his original fundraising target of £1,000, he said: “Macmillan is a charity close to my heart, two years ago my sister passed away after living with cancer for ten years. As a family we rallied around, but Macmillan provided that extra support for her and I’m so grateful for that.
“They provide a kind and selfless service and I feel honoured to help them help as many people as possible.
“Fundraising brings me joy and that stems from my faith, as a practicing Sikh I have an ongoing duty to give to charity and live my life through good deeds.
“I believe that by giving I grow wealthy and prosper myself.
“Helping others is a must, it’s part of who I am, and it’s encouraging to know I’m raising money for a charity that is making a real difference to people’s lives.”
Gurbaksh, a Chartered Design Engineer for Laing O’Rourke Construction group, was assisted in his fundraising by his five grandchildren who helped him to make a promotional poster, this simple message started a groundswell of support, Gurbaksh continues:
“We started sharing my poster on social media and the donations just came pouring in, I’ve been overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from family, friends, colleagues and neighbours, I can’t thank them enough.
“Having completed the triathlon I feel it wasn’t only about the journey or the destination but who I did the triathlon for. The supporters watching were appreciative towards the Macmillan vest I wore giving me that extra burst of energy.
“Having completed the triathlon I feel it wasn’t only about the journey or the destination but who I did the triathlon for. The supporters watching were appreciative towards the Macmillan vest I wore giving me that extra burst of energy.”
Becci Shanks, Macmillan Fundraising Manager, commented: “Everyone at Macmillan would like to extend our thanks and congratulate Gurbaksh, this phenomenal achievement it will make a massive difference to people living with cancer here in Yorkshire.
“The pandemic has had a devastating impact on Macmillan’s income, we anticipate a loss of around a third of our fundraising revenue this year; so the fact that people like Gurbaksh continue to go the extra mile for us means the world.
“We know it’s not easy for anyone at the moment but having a diagnosis of cancer on top of everything else is devastating. Macmillan lost over £1 million in Yorkshire last year because of the pandemic, at this time our supporters, and every donation they receive, has never mattered more.”
If you would like to show Gurbaksh some support, visit his fundraising page here http://www.justgiving.com/G-Landa
