Preston Hindu temple volunteers cycle Guild Wheel for India’s Covid crisis

The volunteers cycled over 33km to raise funds for India

On Saturday, 8 May, volunteers from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Preston participated in the Preston Guild Wheel Cycle Challenge.

They covered a distance of over 33km to raise much-needed funds for the Covid crisis in India.

India is currently experiencing a surge in infections and deaths from the coronavirus pandemic, with hospitals coming under immense pressure from oxygen shortages and lack of critical care beds.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, otherwise known as ‘Neasden Temple’ launched an emergency campaign in order to support the BAPS relief effort in India.

As part of this initiative, a ‘cycle to save lives in India’ campaign began, which was a 48 hour non-stop static relay cycle challenge in London.

It aimed to cover 7,600km, the distance between London and Delhi, but the group ended up almost tripling that amount, covering 20,127km.

Dr Mayank Shah, a trustee for BAPS, said: “We’ve been blown away by the incredible support of the community. More than 14,000 people have donated to this cause.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to each and every one of these supporters as well as all the cyclists and tireless volunteers for making this event so fruitful.”

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Preston helped add to their fundraising efforts.

Ambrish Limbachia, a volunteer at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Preston, said: “The situation in India is truly heartbreaking.

“We all want to help and what a wonderful opportunity this was to support the cause.

“We are delighted that Preston could continue the work and I hope the people of Preston can donate generously to this cause to save lives in India.”

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Proud Preston. This, and many stories like it, show how the people of Preston are making a difference. Our Proud Preston section showcases all the charitable, kind, uplifting and great things about our city and the people who live here. #ProudPreston is alive and well, and there’s much to celebrate and be proud of, despite the challenging times we all face.