More than a hundred people joined the BAPS Charities Annual 10k Challenge in Manchester 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. Locally, BAPS Charities has also supported charities such as Willow Wood Hospice, Tameside Blind Association, the Special Care Baby Unit at Tameside Hospital, OKE, and Tameside4Good.
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 Manchester kicked off shortly after 11am from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on Russell Street in the presence of the Civic Mayor of Tameside Councillor Dawson Lane and Mayoress Jackie Lane.
Many of the participants also took advantage of the blood pressure awareness workshop held at the Mandir by health care professionals.
After completing the 10 kilometres, Nirali Trivedi shared, “Today I did the walk with my daughter, Anika. She is 15 months old and we both had a wonderful day walking with other parents and their children. It was her first of many 10k Challenges.”
Many young children participated in fancy dress and also enjoyed a treasure trail along the main route, ensuring a fun day for everyone.
BAPS Charities volunteer Pankaj Rawal added: “Those who participate every year have encouraged others to take part too, helping us make a difference in the lives of many more. We are really pleased with the support we have received. Everyone young and old made it a wonderful fun-filled event.”
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.
