10K challenge in Ashton-under-Lyne raises vital funds for Samaritans national charity

Over a hundred people from across Greater Manchester came together at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Ashton-under-Lyne to participate in the BAPS 10K Charity Challenge on Sunday 12 July 2026.

Participants of all ages – from young children to senior citizens – walked, jogged or ran 10 kilometres in a vibrant community event, raising vital funds for Samaritans and local charities.

The annual Charity Challenge is a nationwide initiative that brings together more than 3,000 participants across around 20 towns and cities throughout the UK, promoting healthy living, volunteering and community spirit while raising money for worthwhile causes.

This year’s national charity partner is Samaritans, whose volunteers provide confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, every day of the year to anyone experiencing emotional distress or crisis. Donations raised through the 10K Charity Challenge will help Samaritans continue answering calls for help, training volunteers and ensuring that no one has to face life’s toughest moments alone.

Funds raised will also support BAPS’s educational, cultural and spiritual activities across the UK, benefiting children, young people, families and older members of the community.

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

Misha Patel, one of the participants, said: “Taking part in the BAPS 10K Charity Challenge is always a highlight of the year. It was a wonderful opportunity to spend time together as a family, keep active and support such an important cause. Knowing that our efforts will help Samaritans continue providing life-saving support to people in need made the day even more meaningful.”

Sonya Trivedy, Executive Director of External Engagement at Samaritans, said: “It was great to see in person how much Samaritans meant to everyone who took part in Sunday’s challenge. We’re so grateful for their efforts to raise money for our life-saving service. Every donation helps our volunteers continue to be there for anyone in crisis. We look forward to working with BAPS over the next year to continue raising awareness of the life-saving power of human connection and reach more people in need of support.”

Tak Patel, a lead volunteer for the BAPS 10K Charity Challenge, said: “The BAPS 10K Charity Challenge is inspired by the teachings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, who encourages us to serve others with compassion, humility and selflessness. We are delighted to support Samaritans and the remarkable work its volunteers do every day, offering hope and a listening ear to people during some of life’s most difficult moments. It is heartening to see our community come together in support of such an important cause while also making a positive difference to local charities and the wider community.”