More than 340 people in South-East London – from toddlers through to senior citizens – joined the BAPS Annual Challenge on Sunday 5 th May 2019.
The annual charity Challenge organised by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha brought together more than 3,000 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 South-East London serving children, youths, families and the elderly.
This year’s event will also support Demelza for their outstanding work in the South East London area. Demelza provides specialist care and emotional support for children with terminal conditions and their loved ones, so they enjoy their time together as a family, for as long as they have.
The 2019 Challenge will also be supporting BAPS’s national charity partner, 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, 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. Locally, the Challenge has helped reach several charities in recent years.
The event kicked off shortly after 1.00pm at Chislehurst Sports Club in the presence of Bob Neill, Conservative MP for Bromley and Chislehurst.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Neill said, “We’re so grateful for the wonderful support of BAPS in helping us reach out to even more people in and around South East London. The work they have done in uniting people of all ages from all backgrounds to raise money for such an amazing cause is great.”
After the opening ceremony, walkers, joggers and runners moved along the running track, completing several circuits. Stewards were on hand with refreshments and instructions as necessary.
Adults and children also enjoyed plenty of other healthy exercise as they participated in various sports and games after the Challenge. Donkey rides were being conducted throughout the day for young children, who thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Zorbing and foot darts were some of the many other activities that participants also got to enjoy.
Kishori, 14, shared, “What I loved most about the Annual Challenge today was that I was able to raise funds for a great cause with my family and friends.”
One of the lead volunteers for the event, Tilak Patel, added, “We’re extremely grateful for all the generous support we receive, including from Chislehurst Sports Club for providing the venue. To see so many people young and old coming out on a Sunday afternoon for these worthy causes is always very inspiring.”