Despite persistent rain, more than 75 people – from toddlers through to senior citizens – came together to participate in the BAPS Annual Charity Challenge on 8 September 2024 through the city of Preston.
The participants walked 10 kilometres in a fun-filled family and community event that raised vital funds for various good causes.
The Annual Charity Challenge was a nationwide effort that brought together more than 3,000 enthusiastic participants from towns and cities across the country for a fun and healthy way to raise money for various worthy causes and local charities.
The funds will support BAPS’s multifarious educational, community, and spiritual activities in Preston, Lancashire, which serves children, youths, families, and the elderly.
The 2024 Challenge will also support BAPS’s local charity partner St Catherine’s Hospice Care, which helps care for patients and families across Preston, Chorley and South Ribble who are affected by life-shortening conditions like cancer, motor neurone disease and heart failure.
Previous national partners for BAPS and BAPS Charities have included the NSPCC, 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. Locally, in Preston, the Challenge has helped Headway Preston & Chorley, Heartbeat NW Cardiac Care and Northwest Blood Bikes in recent years.
There were also refreshments provided along the way to keep walkers, joggers and runners hydrated and energised. The enjoyable, healthy day out with friends and family made a real, lasting impact by promoting active lifestyles and supporting the work of local charities and good causes.
Mayor of Preston, Councillor Phil Crowe was also present at the opening ceremony. In a short address before the walk began, he thanked BAPS for its continuing efforts in serving the wider community. He expressed his delight at witnessing so many people coming together for such a worthy cause in support of St Catherine’s Hospice and wished everyone the best of luck. Also joining the participants were notable supporters, Councillor Naweeda Khan and Andrew Pratt MBE.
Geetanjali Limbachia, a volunteer at the temple, shared, “St Catherine’s Hospice has provided exceptional care to loved ones with terminal cancer. The hospice’s compassionate support was especially meaningful to us when Mr. Vrajlal Limbachia, known affectionately as Babubhai, a long-time volunteer at the temple, was in their care. We are proud to have raised funds for such an incredible charity.”
Preetesh Dave, a leading volunteer for BAPS in Preston, explained, “the Annual 10k Challenge is a staple event in our calendar to help raise awareness of good causes in our city. Our efforts are inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj to serve everyone in the community. Despite the rain, wind and cold weather, young and old are already looking forward to next year.”