Happy Birthday GoodGym Liverpool! What a wonderful way to celebrate being one year old :)

On a beautiful evening, 22 runners old and new wearing shiny party hats ran 5km to help out our friends The Friends of Everton Park. We certainly were a sight to behold, eliciting honks from passing cars and plenty of strange looks. We were also flanked by a camera and presenter from BBC North West - so keep an eye on our social media to see the story in a few days.

Tonight's task was to plant some saplings at Everton Park. Our huge team who, being in the birthday spirit, was even more full of beans than usual, completed it in record breaking speed. Much to their joy (!!), this meant that they were rewarded with an extra long fitness session which included running up A LOT of stairs before a relay race.

Back at base, we got stuck in to a selection of GG-made brownies, scones, muffins and gingerbread runners, alongside tea and chocolates kindly supplied by our wonderful supporters the Hope Street Hotel.

There are a lot of shout outs this week and really you all deserve one. But here goes... BIG shout out to Emma for providing an amazing array of vegan baked goodies and to Mat for the scones. To Sam for bringing the party hats and banner. To returners Tony, Pauline and Becky S. - we've missed you, so good to see you. To newbie Becky B. - a great time to join us for your first run, do come again... but sorry to tell you that there won't always be cake ;)

This year has been a real whirlwind and while at times it can be tough (those wet and windy nights, turning up the day after running Half Marathons with aching legs...) it has been my absolute privilege to be the GoodGym Liverpool Trainer. Each and every GoodGym runner I've met has been an absolute joy; you are GOOD people and it has made my work a pleasure.

Over the last year we have helped nearly 30 community organisations and scores of isolated individuals. In total, we've done over 700 good deeds. We are making a real difference in Liverpool. And I hope that being a member of a team that gets fit while doing good has made a real difference to you.

Thanks so much for being part of this incredible community and making this year such a success. Here's to many more...

With gratitude,

Char xxx