The BAPS Annual 10K Challenge was launched on the evening of Saturday 9 February 2019 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London.

The official partner for this year’s charity Challenge, which takes place on 28 April, is the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) – the UK’s leading charity campaigning and working to protect children from neglect, harm and abuse.

Previous national partners for BAPS and BAPS Charities have included Age UK, the Alzheimer’s Society, the Anthony Nolan Trust, Barnardo’s, Breast Cancer Care, the British Heart Foundation, Carers UK, Diabetes UK, KIDS, and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The Challenge brings together more than 3,000 enthusiastic participants of all ages and backgrounds around the country for a fun and healthy way to raise funds for various worthy causes and local charities.

This year’s event will also offer an opportunity for a tailored group activity where participants can embark on various challenging tasks, such as abseiling, mountain climbing, a static cycle ride, and the Spartan Race.

Chris Cloke, Head of Child Protection Awareness at the NSPCC, joined worshippers and guests at the Mandir for the official launch. Following a brief tour of the Mandir, Yogvivek Swami, Head Swami of the Mandir, welcomed him to the assembly.

Dr Mayank Shah, a leading volunteer for BAPS, said, “The NSPCC’s vision to not only protect children today, but prevent abuse in the future and transform society for every childhood is truly inspiring. We at BAPS share that vision and are guided by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj’s message to serve and care for each child to in turn create a better world for everyone. Children form an integral part of BAPS activities and we are honoured to have an opportunity to further the great work of the NSPCC.”