Around 40 people took to the streets in Havant for the BAPS Charities Annual 10K Challenge on Sunday 11 May 2014.
Each year, BAPS Charities organises a fun and healthy charity event for individuals to unite as a community to support a worthy cause. At several towns and cities around the UK, around 4,000 enthusiastic men, women and children of all ages – ranging from toddlers through to senior citizens in their nineties – walk, jog and even run a distance of 10 kilometres to raise funds and awareness for a variety of good causes.
This year’s event partnered nationally with Diabetes UK, the leading charity that cares for, connects with and campaigns on behalf of every person affected by or at risk of diabetes – including the 3.8 million people in the UK that are currently diagnosed with the disease. In addition, BAPS Charities was also supporting the local Mayor’s charity, Stroke Association, for its commendable work in Hampshire.
The Challenge this year builds on 20 years of sponsored events. Previous national charity partners have included Macmillan Cancer Research, Barnardo’s, The Anthony Nolan Trust, The British Heart Foundation, Breast Cancer Care, Age UK, KIDS, as well as Diabetes UK.
The event kicked-off shortly after 2.00pm in the presence of Mayor of Havant Councillor Paul Buckley and his wife Jackie. Gillian Norrie, Communications Support Volunteer for Stroke Association in Hampshire, had also come to lend her support. She thanked BAPS Charities for choosing Stroke Association and for all its generous ‘spirit of service’.
After the opening ceremony, walkers, joggers and runners moved along Hayling Billy Trail, part of one of Hampshire’s newest long-distance footpaths.
One of the participants, Amar, shared: “It was a very windy day, but we still managed to enjoy ourselves, because we knew we were helping those left fortunate than us.”
BAPS Charities volunteer Mitul Patel added: “We’re incredibly grateful for everyone who came out today supporting this important charity event. It not only raises vital funds but also awareness about these very important causes.”
To learn more about the work of Diabetes UK, please click here.
To learn about Stroke Association, please click here.
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