BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Brentfield Road raises money for Macmillan Cancer Support and BBC’s Children in Need

Generous worshippers at a Neasden temple culminated their Diwali celebrations but handing over �25,000 to charity.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Brentfield Road, raised the funds for the Macmillan Cancer Support through their 10k challenge which was held across the UK.

The BAPS charity also raised funds for the BBC’s Children in Need campaign during the two-day celebrations with enthusiastic children encouraging visitors to the Mandir to donate generously to the worthy cause.

Avish Patel, a 13-year-old volunteer, said: “Every year I watch the Children in Need programme and feel sad for children who are suffering.

“It makes me feel good to do something to help another child like me.”

Diwali, which is the Hindu New Year, coincided with World Diabetes Day last week so the Mandir was illuminated in blue, joining iconic landmarks, monuments and buildings all over the world in support of the international campaign to raise awareness about the condition.

Sunita Patel, a volunteer at the Mandir, said: “Diwali is when we can end the year and welcome the next by offering our thanks to God, and sharing what we have been blessed with those less fortunate.”

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