In April 2015, more than 3,000 people walked or ran a distance of 10 kilometres in towns and cities across the UK as part of the BAPS Charities Annual Challenge to raise valuable funds for various worthy causes.
This was followed by a London to Brighton Bike Ride and a series of sponsored skydives later in the year. The latest physical feat – a London to Paris Bike Ride – took place over three days between 5 and 7 September 2015. This event offered a stiff physical challenge for seven brave and motivated cyclists.
The official partner for BAPS Charities this year is the British Heart Foundation – the nation’s largest independent funder of cardiovascular research.
Riders began at 8am on Saturday 5 September from Chelsfield Lakes Golf Club, cycling resolutely through scenic villages in England and France, completing their journey at the Palace of Versailles on Monday evening. The 242-mile route required the participants to climb a total distance of 3,400 metres. Despite the tough physical endeavours, the group remained in high spirits throughout.
Yagnesh Odhavji, 45, shared: “Supporting the British Heart Foundation means something very personal to me as my father died at the age of 42 with a heart condition. This event gave me an opportunity to pay tribute to him as well as do something positive for many others who suffer from heart disease.”
Hamanshu Patel, 26, added: “I have previously trekked to the base camp of Mount Everest but this bike ride was more physically challenging. I experienced immense satisfaction from completing a challenge of this nature and helping others in doing so.”
Dr Mayank Shah of BAPS Charities said: “Because of the diverse components of this year’s Challenge, many people had the opportunity to raise funds for good causes. It is very rewarding to see both the young and more senior riders so motivated to extend themselves for others. We look forward to building on these events for our future Challenges.”
To learn more about the work of the British Heart Foundation, please click here.
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