Charity Virtual 5k challenge

In aid of the British Heart Foundation

Why we are raising funds for the British Heart Foundation ('BHF')

‘Lockdown 2.0’ came into force across our nation on 5 November 2020 and the urge to stay cooped up in our homes 24/7, on our sofas, in front of the telly over the next four weeks and say ‘no’ to exercise is a strong one. However, exercise / physical activity (which is permitted during ‘lockdown 2.0’ per government guidelines) is not only essential for maintaining our health. Studies suggest that exercise and physical activity can improve the state of our mental health and general wellbeing.

Equally, with a further lockdown comes the further unintended consequences of the sharp decrease in donations to charitable organisations that do such great work for their beneficiaries and survive purely through the nation’s good will.

So, we at The British Bengalis have decided to think bold and are launching our Virtual 5K challenge (#tbb5k) during the ‘lockdown 2.0’ period to raise funds to a charity close to our heart, the BHF. Their great work saves countless lives, especially those in South Asian communities like those within our own community bubbles.

If you would like to take part in our challenge, that's amazing and please do read on for further details. If you would like to donate, again that's amazing and please feel free to read on to learn more about the format of the challenge and how your friends, family, and colleagues will be taking part, and who knows, you may change your mind and decide to take part!

Alternatively, if you would like to jump straight to our BHF Just Giving Page, please click on the button below.

What is the challenge?

Complete a 5 km Run, cycle, or walk on any day and route of your choice during ‘Lockdown2.0’ between 5 November 2020 and 2 December 2020.

Why should I take part?

As well as burning some calories and getting a free* t-shirt, research shows that as little as 30 minutes of exercise per day can boost our general health and well-being, decreasing the likelihood of cardiovascular disease.

But also because of your sheer goodwill. Especially as Covid-19 has cut the British Heart Foundation’s ability to fund new research in half, at a time when it’s needed more than ever. Slowing down now puts even more lives at risk and they need our support, more than ever.

How do I sign up?

1. Please make a suggested donation to our Just Giving Page of £8 (or more if you can to help a great cause) by clicking on the button below where all proceeds will be given to the BHF:

2. If you don't have it already, download the Strava App or access Strava via a desktop web browser and if you haven’t already, please sign up and search for The British Bengalis Strava club and click on "request to join". This will ensure you are able to confirm the completion of your 5K challenge.

Here's some information on how you can use your device to record your 5K attempt on:

• Android

• iPhone

3. Finally, register for the event below:

After these three actions are complete, your free* T-shirt will be posted to you.

What’s next

All that’s left is to:

• pick your date between 5 November 2020 and 2 December 2020

• encourage your family, friends, and colleagues to donate and sponsor your challenge

• map your 5 km route (we recommend that you keep this local to avoid unnecessary travel)

• on the day that you complete the challenge, ensure that you abide by the Covid-19 rules

• celebrate your completion of the virtual 5K challenge by donning the T-shirt we send, taking some beautiful pics and sharing them with your family and friends and your social media pages (don’t forget to tag us @thebritishbengalis and use the hastag: #tbb5k).

For further information, please email or DM us via Facebook or Instagram, or consider joining our The British Bengalis: Health and Wellbeing discussion group.