More than 170 people in Hall Green, Birmingham – from toddlers through to senior citizens – joined the BAPS Annual 10K Challenge on Sunday 22 April 2018.
The annual charity Challenge organised by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) brought together more than 3,200 enthusiastic participants from towns and cities across the UK for a fun and healthy way to raise money for various worthy causes and local charities.
The funds will go towards supporting BAPS’s multifarious educational, community and spiritual activities in Birmingham serving children, youths, families and the elderly.
This year’s event will also support Birmingham Women’s Hospital for their outstanding work in the local community. The hospital provides specialist services to more than 50,000 women, men and their families every year from the city, the wider region and beyond. Its services include a full range of gynaecological, maternity and neonatal care.
The 2018 Challenge will also be supporting BAPS’s national charity partner, Carers UK, the country’s only national membership charity for carers. It aims to make life better for the 6.5 million people in the UK who are supporting a loved one who is older, disabled or seriously ill.
Previous national partners for BAPS and BAPS Charities have included Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, the Anthony Nolan Trust, Barnardo’s, Breast Cancer Care, the British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK, KIDS, and Macmillan Cancer Support. Locally, the Challenge has helped Acorn’s Children Hospice, Greet Green Children Centre and Birmingham Children’s Hospital in recent years.
The event kicked off shortly after 11.00am from Robin Hood Academy, Birmingham. After the opening ceremony, walkers, joggers and runners moved along the 10-kilometre route in Hall Green, encouraged by support from members of the community.
Sarika Chauhan spoke of how enjoyable the day had been: “Today I completed the walk with my two children aged two and six. They both really enjoyed it and it was great to see so many people of all ages participating and doing their bit to help these great charities.”
Sharad Chauhan aged 6, added, “I loved walking with my mummy and friends. I had fun."
Vasant Parikh, lead volunteer for BAPS Birmingham, also shared, “Everyone who participates every year has encouraged others to take part and make a difference in the lives of others. We are really pleased with the support received from the local community. It’s been an absolutely fantastic day.”