More than 275 people joined the BAPS Charities Annual 10k Challenge in South East London 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 South East London kicked off shortly after 1pm at Chislehurst Sports & Country Club.
Addressing the gathering, lead volunteer Jayendra Patel said: “I am very happy to see so many people have joined us today. Thank you to everyone for helping out. It is great that you have worked so hard to support the British Heart Foundation and Rosa, two very important charities.”
After the opening ceremony, walkers and runners moved along the route, completing 14 circuits of the sports ground.
After completing the 10 kilometres, Shivani Hindocha shared, “The day was full of fun and laughter, and everyone was so pleased to contribute to the good causes. With the added family fun activities, the children especially enjoyed the games as they completed the circuit with enthusiasm and excitement. The lollies and goody bags donated by the volunteers also went down a treat!”
BAPS Charities volunteer Bhavesh Patel added: “The whole day was enjoyable with quality time spent with family and friends, made special by the hard work of all the volunteers. Everyone was very pleased with how the event turned out.”
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.
