More than 250 people joined the BAPS Charities Annual 10k Challenge in South 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 London kicked off shortly after 11am from the Archbishop Lanfranc Academy in Croydon, in the presence of The Worshipful Mayor of Croydon Cllr Manju Shahul-Hameed. Other guests included the Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Croydon North Mr Steve Reed OBE, the Leader of Croydon Council Cllr Tony Newman, and the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Croydon North Mr Vidhi Mohan.
Addressing the gathering, the Mayor said, “It is great to see both the young and elderly take part in this event with big smiles on their faces. The volunteers have done a fantastic job organising this event and raising funds for the British Heart Foundation and Rosa, making it fun for everyone, especially the children.”
After the opening ceremony, walkers and runners moved along the route through the heart of Croydon.
After completing the 10 kilometres, Kayan Dave, 15, shared, “It was a fantastic day and rewarding to know that you are helping to raise money for these worthy charities. With the sun shining, we couldn’t have hoped for a better day.”
BAPS Charities volunteer Prakash Patel added: “This was the first time that we held such an event in South London, and it was extremely encouraging to see so many participants take part so enthusiastically. Not only did we raise funds, but also awareness for the great work that the British Heart Foundation and Rosa are doing.”
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.
