After the nail-biting game yesterday at Charlton Athletic, 9 Goodgymers and some friends of CleanUpCharlton ventured out to clear up some of the post-match debris.

While one team tackled the home end of Anchor & Hope Lane, the others took to the midfield of the Woolwich Road to clear the cans, bottles and cigarette ends. The game of two halves ended with a photo line-up at the end of Popeye's Path (formerly Frankie & Benny's Alley) which always needs a good grounds-person or two (or even 11)!

The boys and girls done good and 13 bags were left for the referee (Greenwich Council) at final whistle. Man/woman of the match was awarded to all players in the form of a nice cup of coffee at our favourite M&S cafe (we might tap them for sponsorship next season). They thought it was all over - it is now until next month!

What better way to start a Sunday than by lending a hand (and a few cheers) at a junior parkrun? This morning, three GoodGymers stepped up to support the amazing team at Hornfair junior parkrun, joining forces with the brilliant regular volunteers and cheering on 26 energetic juniors at the start line.

We had: Peter, taking the lead as Run Director Marta keeping things on track as Number Checker, And me, proudly donning the Parkwalker vest – encouraging the little runners and making sure everyone stayed safe and motivated.

There’s something special about seeing young runners giving it their all – and being part of the team that cheers them on? Even better.

But today wasn’t just another feel-good Sunday… it was a milestone moment for me too – my 50th GoodGym good deed! Hoorah! 🥳

It feels like only yesterday I said “yes” to that first community mission. I never imagined how something as simple as giving a bit of time could give back so much in purpose, joy, and connection.

Sharing good deeds isn’t about boasting — it’s about inspiring. Leading by example shows that even small acts of kindness add up. If it encourages even one more person to get involved, then that’s a win. 🙌

Here’s to many more miles, smiles, and good deeds ahead. Thanks to everyone who’s encouraged me along the way – your support means the world. ❤️

P.S. You could say I’ve “run into” a pretty great community. 😉

• Cecilia 🍀

London's community half marathon went red this year! 🔥

A huge congratulations to the oodles of GoodGym folk who caught well-earned happy mornings under a hot-hot-hot late summer sun ☺️

It was the biggest joy seeing you all!

Please send me your photos (!) and I will pop them up here (alexmurtough@goodgym.org) ❤️

What better way to spend a glorious Saturday morning in September than with a spot of apple-tree care in the heart of Bethnal Green? Catherine welcomed 5 of us to Prospect Walk Allotments, a hidden green treasure just off Roman Road, where neat little plots sit alongside a wilder, wildlife-friendly orchard plot.

Our mission was to give three fruitful apple trees a post-summer spruce-up by tackling the jungle of nettles, brambles and weeds at their roots. The aim was to free up space for nutrients to reach the soil – while still keeping the area wild enough to stay a cosy home for bugs and bees.

Armed with gloves, secateurs, comically-small buckets and lots of energy, the team got stuck in. Brambles were wrestled, nettles conquered, and the weeds didn’t stand a chance - especially against Xing (Lucinda’s mum!) who joined us for her very first GoodGym task.
It was an amazing effort and a lot of laughs in the September sun! This one proved that gardening really is a full-body workout!

Allotments like Prospect Walk bring so much joy and value to the community – from fresh produce, fresh air, wellbeing to wildlife. It felt great to leave knowing we’d helped this beautiful space continue to thrive.

We wrapped up by taking a self-timed pic of the 6 of us together, and taking home some rhubarb and rosemary from Catherine!

Well done to all who came 🍏💪 ~ Emma