More than 100 people joined the BAPS Charities Annual 10k Challenge in Nottingham on Sunday 12 April 2015.
In total, over 3,000 participants walked or ran the 10 kilometres in about 20 towns and cities across the UK. The annual event brings together people of all ages and backgrounds around the country to do something healthy and fun and 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 also raised funds for Rosa, a charitable fund set up to support initiatives that benefit women and girls in the UK.
Previous national partners have included Barnardo’s, Breast Cancer Care, Diabetes UK, Age UK, KIDS, The Anthony Nolan Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support as well as the British Heart Foundation.
The annual challenge has evolved since its inception over 20 years ago. This year offered participants one of four very different physical feats to complete: the traditional 10km walk or run, a bike ride from London to Brighton or Paris, a gruelling Spartan Challenge, and for the really adventurous, a tandem skydive.
The event in Nottingham kicked off shortly after 1pm from Rushcliffe Country Park in Ruddington in the presence of local Gujarat Samaj and Lohana Community leaders.
Addressing the gathering, Udai Pankhania, the local Challenge coordinator welcomed the guests and participants and thanked everyone for their overwhelming support.
After the opening ceremony, walkers and runners moved along the flag-posted route around the picturesque country park. The lake, forest, open fields and undulating hills gave participants a wonderful experience on a bright spring day.
Hetvi Parekh, 31, shared: “I really enjoyed the 10km walk because not only did I manage to raise funds for a good cause but I was able to push my physical limits to achieve a goal which I am proud of. I look forward to the next challenge!”
BAPS Charities volunteer Akshay Popat added: “The 10k Challenge encourages individuals and families in the community to come together and participate for a fun and enjoyable day out for a good cause.”
To learn more about the work of the British Heart Foundation and Rosa, please follow the respective links.
Disclaimer: BAPS Charities is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
