Gogglebox stars the Siddiqui family have been a fan favourite since joining the Channel 4 show when it first started in 2013. The family have welcomed viewers into their Derbyshire home for over a decade and as a result have amassed a large Instagram following of nearly 140,000 followers.
Retired engineer Sid, appears alongside his sons Baasit and Umar on the show, their brother Raza sometimes makes a guest appearance on the sofa. Baasit and wife Melissa are preparing to take on the London marathon, which takes place on April 27.
The official ‘Siddiquis’ Instagram account shared a photo of the couple in the tops they will be wearing on marathon day. The blue tops have ‘Mind’ across the front and on the back, the slogan “we fight for mental health” is written in large letters.
Mind is one of the leading mental health charities in the UK. They offer vital support services and campaign for better mental health polices. The parents of two shared that they were “proud to be raising money for the fantastic @mindcharity.”
Sharing an update with fans about their marathon preparation, they wrote “All prepped & ready to go”, adding that with just over one week to go, the “nerves are kicking in” but they are as ready as ever.
The Instagram caption continued: “I can not wait to take on the @londonmarathon with @melissasiddiqui – I know she is going to smash it! I’m so proud to be running with her, whilst she takes on her first ever marathon and proud to be raising money for the fantastic @mindcharity.
Thank you to everyone who has shared our story &/or donated – the messages and donations have been incredible! We still have a way to go to reach the target…so if you can please keep sharing.”
Baasit and Melissa will be spending the next week “resting the legs” and carb loading. They finished their message by wishing people a fantastic Easter weekend and thanking them for their support.
Former Gogglebox star Daniel Lustig was one of the fist to comment on the post. He wrote “Good luck you’ll smash it”, the account of co-stars Dave and Shirley liked the uplifting post.
Fans wished the couple the best of luck. Michelle commented “as someone who’s suffered for many years with my mental health and often watches Gogglebox when am really struggling as I find the show a comfort this is honestly the best thing I woken up to this morning .”
Mike will be cheering the Channel 4 star on as he said: “Well done Baasit and Mel looking great I’m behind you 100% I hope that you enjoy the experience as much as possible.”
Others wrote: “With you all the way Mr &Mrs, absolutely brilliant charity to run for, thank all that the stigma around mental health issues is disappearing and we can talk more openly about it” and “Good luck to you both! You’ll smash it.”
Another comment thanked the Siddiqui’s for their work outside of the show, with Anjali telling them “You definitely inspired my little girl after visiting her school! All she wants to do is be a strong gladiator when she’s older!”