More than 70 people – from toddlers through to senior citizens – came together to participate in the BAPS Annual Charity Challenge on Sunday 4th August at North Caldecote Lake.
The participants walked, jogged and some even ran 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 Milton Keynes, which serves children, youths, families, and the elderly.
The 2024 Challenge will also support BAPS’s local charity partner Milton Keynes Hospital Charity, which helps to enhance the experience of patients, their families and staff.
There were also games organised for the whole family after the Challenge, and many 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.
Kelly Errington, the Community & Events Fundraiser at Milton Keynes Hospital Charity, was present at the opening ceremony and thanked BAPS, saying: “Ihe funds raised by BAPS in Milton Keynes will provide a boost to the hospital charity, particularly for its new Radiotherapy appeal and the acquisition of essential medical equipment.”
Also present was Emily Darlington, MP for Central Milton Keynes. She said: “Through Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s credo of ‘In the joy of others lies our own,’ we can build a community that thrives on the principles of unity, empathy, and service. Milton Keynes hospital truly relies on creative communities for its fundraising activities, and it is heartwarming to witness the joy of giving demonstrated by BAPS in Milton Keynes. A huge thank you to all involved.”
Dr Vikas Patel from BAPS said, “It is encouraging to see so many children as well as senior members of the community joining in, which truly shows what people can accomplish when they work together.
"We are delighted to support the Milton Keynes Hospital Charity.”