Annual Charity Challenge Raises Funds for Needy Children

More than 3,000 people across the UK participated in the BAPS Charities Annual 10K Challenge to raise funds for KIDS as well as various other charities and good causes. 

In London, the Challenge was hosted at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on Sunday 28 April 2013. Amidst glorious spring sunshine, children from as young as three through to elderly participants in their nineties gathered in the courtyard for the opening ceremony. Members of the British Army were also present as part of the ceremonial proceedings and began the event with the playing of bagpipes. 

Participants and organisers were also joined by distinguished guests, including Warren Koehler (London Regional Director of KIDS), Cllr Mohammed Butt, Cllr Zaffar Van Kalwala, Cllr Reg Colwill, Cllr Paul Lorber, Cllr Harbhajan Singh, Cllr Suresh Kansagra, Cllr Bhikhu Patel, Cllr Ketan Sheth, Cllr Krupa Sheth, and Cllr Vina Mithani. Also present were Mr Bhupendra Singh, Managing Director and Mr I N Dhar, Branch Manager of the Punjab National Bank (International) Limited. 

The nationwide event brings together more than 3,000 people each year of all ages and backgrounds. The Challenge is a chance to have fun, do something healthy, and most importantly, raise valuable funds for a variety of worthy causes. This year the Annual Challenge will raise funds for BAPS Charities and its national beneficiary partner, KIDS. KIDS is a national charity working with disabled children, young people and their families across England. 

The Challenge offered an opportunity for participants to run, jog or walk 10 kilometres and built upon 19 years of sponsored events that have been organised by BAPS. Previous national partners have included Macmillan Cancer Research, Barnardo’s, The Anthony Nolan Trust, Diabetes UK, The British Heart Foundation, Breast Cancer Care, and Age UK. 

BAPS Charities volunteer Dr Sejal Saglani shared, “We are delighted to partner with KIDS this year and hope that the Challenge can help to really further the great work they are already doing.” 

In his address, Warren Koehler expressed his gratitude by saying, “I would just like to say that KIDS is really pleased and excited by the support it is receiving from this. The support that you are providing for us will enable us to support children doing things like you are doing today – walking, having fun, being with their peers and growing and developing their skills and attitudes. Thank you very much for all that you are doing today.” 

Cllr Butt also thanked the organisers and volunteers for their longstanding contributions to the local community and urged everyone to “dig deep” to support the worthy causes. 

Participants moved along the route from the Mandir towards the picturesque King Edward VII Park in Wembley where participants completed two circuits before returning to the Mandir. The route was well marshalled by stewards and plenty of refreshments were available. The last to complete the route was a batch of volunteers who were also clearing up any traces of litter. 

Priya Patel, aged 16, stopped by to share her thoughts during her 10 kilometre jog: “It’s a really nice day and good to see so many people take part and also the local residents waving and smiling us along. It really is very rewarding to know that you are doing something good to help children and families not as fortunate as you.” 

To learn more about the great work of KIDS, please visit www.kids.org.uk. 

For a full report of the BAPS Charities Annual 10K Challenge, please visit www.bapscharities.org.uk. 

Disclaimer: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.