Following the 10k Challenge held in April 2015, the sponsored skydive component of this year’s BAPS Charities Challenge took place at Reading, Nottingham and Lancaster on various dates between June and August 2015. More than 100 brave challengers took to the skies to raise valuable funds for a variety of worthy causes.
The official partner for BAPS Charities this year is the British Heart Foundation, the nation’s largest independent funder of cardiovascular research. The Challenge is also raising funds for Rosa, a charitable fund set up to support initiatives that benefit women and girls in the UK.
The annual challenge has evolved since its inception over 20 years ago. A variety of physical feats are available this year including the tandem skydive – which will continue at various locations in the UK throughout June and July.
Participants – from 18-year-olds to those approaching 60 – stepped up for the challenge. They were fully briefed and prepared for their task and arrived at their respective venues in high spirits. They all attended a short training course prior to boarding their aircraft which transported them more than 10,000 feet into the air.
The dives were completed smoothly and participants shared their excitement after landing. One of the jumpers, Mukesh Dalia, aged 55, said: “It was very exciting. I was nervous as the plane was rising, but the thought of doing something positive for those who need our support helped me overcome my fears.”
Hinal Makwana, aged 35, added: “This was an absolutely amazing experience, skydiving is something I’ve always wanted to do and I finally got the opportunity to fulfil my dream and to also help BAPS Charities. It was very rewarding to do something exciting and help good causes in doing so.”
Dr Mayank Shah of BAPS Charities also shared his thoughts. “We’re delighted to widen the scope of our Annual Challenge and maximise the opportunity to help our partners. The strength of character from those who participated demonstrates how eager so many people are in supporting worthwhile causes.”
To learn more about the work of the British Heart Foundation and Rosa, please follow the respective links.
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