More than 180 people joined the BAPS Charities Annual 10k Challenge in Wellingborough 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 Wellingborough kicked off shortly after 10.00am from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on Mill Road.
Invited guests included the Deputy Mayor of Wellingborough Councillor Graham Lawman and Deputy Mayoress Councillor Laura Lawman. Addressing the gathering Mr Lawman remarked: “It is good to see so many young faces here who will be able to learn the practical skills of saving lives through the CPR programme.” Also in attendance was another regular supporter of BAPS activities, Peter Bone MP.
After the opening ceremony, walkers and runners moved along the carefully planned route of Wellingborough town centre, spurred on by support from members of the community.
After completing the 10 kilometres, Juhee Patel, 14, shared, “It has been a great day walking with friends and knowing that funds we all collected will be used for preventing heart disease and improving lives.”
BAPS Charities volunteer Anil Patel added: “We have been very fortunate in the support we have received in raising funds for these very deserving charities. We would like to express our sincerest gratitude not only to each participant, but also to the kind members of the community for their support and immense generosity.”
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.
