Residents Urged to Take Part in Brentford’s 'Biggest Sporting Event'

The Brentford Challenge in Syon Park aims to raise awareness of mental Health

5k ‘Walk & Talk’ – aims to tackle the stigma around mental health

Local residents are being encouraged to lace-up their running shoes and take part in Brentford’s biggest sporting event – while raising awareness of mental health.

The event, which will take place on Sunday 24 June at Syon Park, offers an array of multi-sports activities for all the family.

Run in partnership with Brentford Lock West, The Brentford Challenge is offering a 10k run, 5k run, 10k and 5k Corporate Challenge (for teams of four representing their business), a primary school challenge for local schools and 1k children’s race.

John Robinson, Development Director at Brentford Lock West, said, “The Brentford Challenge has become a popular annual event and it’s great to see even more activities on offer this year - reaching out to an even wider audience. There is a great sense of community here in Brentford - something which has been embraced by many of our residents at Brentford Lock West, and we look forward to seeing many of them as we all enjoy participating in the day’s events.”

This year marks a special mental health event: a 5k mental health awareness walk in partnership with West London Mental Health Trust. The walk – coined a 5k ‘Walk & Talk’ – aims to tackle the stigma around mental health and encourage more people to get active.

Angela Benjamin, who attended a similar event last year, said, "I received mental health support when I lost my two daughters – who passed away a year apart. Through their help, I can now do things on my own again.

“Anyone who is going through a mental health condition should know it is not a crime; we're still part of society.”

Also on offer is yoga, Pilates, frisbee golf and boxercise at the event’s vibrant sports and health village – situated within the heart of Syon Park.

For water lovers, adults and children can take part in an exciting paddleboarding lesson at Brentford Lock.

Lee Doyle, Chief Executive of Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, said, “Using the power of sport, the Brentford Challenge is a great way to bring the community together and raise awareness of mental health.”

Residents can book their place at www.brentfordchallenge.co.uk.

April 26, 2018