24 do gooders arrived at Somerset House ready to hit the streets, help the needy and meet Boris Johnson at The Passage

others discussed what it meant to them to be able to help such a great cause

In true GoodGym fashion nearly all who attended seemed to arrive at the same time. Joy was abundant as some people caught up after the festive break while others discussed what it meant to them to be able to help such a great cause and then there were of course those who just couldn’t wait to meet our mayor Boris Johnson.

I could see the excitement in people’s faces as I did the briefing

As time was waiting for none of us I grabbed everyone’s attention and asked everyone to join me outside for a quick introduction, briefing and warm up. I could see the excitement in people’s faces as I did the briefing. A good sign as the heavens opened up and we set off towards the light (The Passage in Victoria). Thankfully the rain was light. Our route to The Passage was pretty straightforward along The Embankment to Parliament Square then along Victoria Street to our destination. We split into three groups to ensure everyone was comfortable running at a pace that suited them along with splintering the group, which would be a little more manageable for the hustle and bustle of the West End streets.

Once inside we were split into groups tasked with different jobs

On arrival at The Passage the lovely Stephanie Kamin from the Greater London Authority and her team greeted us. Stephanie was very passionate as she touched on the subject of London being the European volunteering capital of 2016. We then headed into The Passage, which provide hot meals and clothing among other things to the capitals homeless. Once inside we were split into groups tasked with different jobs in different parts of the building. One group helped in the kitchen preparing food to be cooked while others sorted clothes and disposed of a very sad looking Christmas tree.

Not every day you get to tell the mayor to get cleaning

Before long we got word that the Mayor of London was in the building. We continued to get on with our tasks as Boris and his entourage of helpers, cameramen and photographers swept in to a narrow passage where a once plush looking Xmas tree stood. Seeing as a bit of a clean up was required after all the commotion to the Xmas tree and it’s needles I grabbed a dustpan and brush and prompted Boris to give the area a little sweep. Not every day you get to tell the mayor to get cleaning – grin. We then moved onto the kitchens. Boris wasted no time in washing his hands and getting stuck into peeling and chopping some carrots before being whisked away for an interview. All the while my fellow goodgymmers were hard at work all over the building doing good. With all the excitement time flew by but we managed to get lots done and everyone at The Passage seemed very thankful for our help.

Just as we left a round of high fives was suggested and off we went

We gathered outside of the building before setting off into the rain swept streets with a spring in our steps after completing a great task. Who would have thought it would feel so great doing good deeds for others. Just as we left a round of high fives was suggested and off we went. We once again split off into groups to ensure all got the workout required and making the group that little more manageable while running along busy London streets. As we approached Waterloo Bridge I prompted people to sprint along the home straight as we had a clear route ahead with plenty of space. On arriving back at Somerset House we all warmed down while I led some stretching. What a great morning of do-gooding. Hopefully we can all do it again soon.

Until next time folks – do good, stay fit and look out for the light!

Oh and if anyone has anymore pics just let us know and we'll get them added.

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