After we were advertised at ARU Freshers today we had two new arrivals this evening, Jordis and Joseph. Congratulating James on his Kipchoge-esque time for the Pleshey half marathon and Laurie and Joel for their Essex Waterways 10k, we hit the road. With storm Ally on its way we were running directly into the wind for some bonus resistance training. We made it to InterAct in good time to meet Andrew who explained the great work they do there, as well as outlining the task for tonight. And more importantly, letting us know there were biscuits should we complete our mission!

Brilliantly, InterAct have received funding to create a sensory room upstairs. We were tasked with clearing the room out completely so that the work can begin. Vic, Fay and Jenny heaved the filing cabinet down the stairs for the skip while Adam got to work dismantling the ping-pong table. We cleared the room of all the other items in record time, with Catherine making a new furry friend along the way. After our usual biscuit extravaganza, we took a vote on either fitness on the way back, or just heading back. It was closer than a referendum, with Jordis making the final decision to head back. We added on an extra loop around the park just to ensure we hit a full 5k run. Joel gazed wistfully at Wetherspoons, we posed on some bales of hay and Henry and Joseph sat in a giant deck chair. Just the normal run back then.

Thanks to everyone who came, and thanks to InterAct for helping us out. Next week should be the 8km run (in total) to Broomfield hospital, led by the wonderful Laurie, providing the plants have arrived. After that we have the social at The Works on Friday 5th October for ice cream and waffles! It will be up on the Facebook page.

Additionally, Broomfield Hospital would like to thank us for all the hard work we’ve put in over the past ten months and invite us all to the Celebration of Volunteers event this year. It’s on Friday 5th October at Chelmsford City Racecourse, and it will be a somewhat smart occasion with afternoon tea. We know the majority of you guys work on weekdays, but if anyone is available that would be fantastic. The event celebrates hospital volunteers from various projects and roles around the hospital, alongside future opportunities. It’s a feel good afternoon to share experiences, with MEHT’s Chair Nick Alston giving an insightful talk into all aspects of volunteering. If you'd like to come along, please email *davidc@goodgym.org by September 25th * and I can send you the form.

Happy running!