On a typically drizzly and gray Manchester day, 3 Goodgymers met up to run with fully laden bags to donate items to local food banks. Over the colder and darker winter months, with energy bills high and costs spiraling, food banks are becoming a necessity for many whether in work or not. The Trussell Trust do a fantastic job seeding food banks and supporting local groups and their website is a good start if looking to donate food.

We met up outside Manchester Central Library and the large lit-up Santa. As a sign, there was a row of tents and a gathering of local homeless people seeking heat and warmth with libraries now able to provide a safe space for many in need. With the MCR 24 hr run raising over £50,000 for the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity and the Embassy Village gaining ground, maybe there is a glimmer of hope for those in need.

With lights and heavy bags, we made steady progress in the direction of Hulme where a large food donation point was accessible inside the large ASDA there. On the way, we winded around the busy roads and stumbled across Parakeet Parkway where a row of planters and planted trees made up 273 m of the cycle path alongside the main road. It really is amazing what can be done with such a space! After dropping off the items with an obligatory selfie, we made our way back a different way before taking a route around Deansgate before returning to St Peter's Square.

It was a great pleasure to welcome Steph Ducat from Goodgym Ealing who was nearby for work!! Keep an eye out for more Monday sessions with Goodgym Manchester.