Today we were very pleased to help out at Toes in the Water. This was a community event organised by local river swimmers to raise money for Friends of Itchen Estuary who help to take care of the local river. The event helped to raise attention to the pollution problems facing our seas and rivers while raising much needed funds to protect them. We helped to get the boat club ready with decorations and assisted stall holders (who were donating their profits) to get set up. Some GoodGymers also got crafty making signs to raise away of the sewage problems in the river. We were hopefully to enjoy a swim but unfortunately it was not safe to do so due to recent sewage discharges. We made sure make up for this by filling up on tea and cake before dancing the day away to Southampton Ukulele Jam. That certainly helped hit our fitness goals for the day before helping to clear up!

The rain held off for us to join Lemon and Jinji, the refill store, on their monthly litter pick. We welcomed Claire for her first face to face session and hope to see her again soon. Endless crisp packets, cans and vapes were found plus some huge canisters and even a beer keg! Our youngest litter picker (aged 3) found such a big pile of rubbish it was taller than her. There was so much rubbish around the industrial estate that one of the staff had to go out in a van to collect everything at the end. Great job team - we hope to join Lemon and Jinji again soon - and not just because there was discounted coffee and cake for litter pickers!

Finishing out the January challenge strong we had GGers litter picking across the south reaching not just Southampton, but stretching to Romsey, Lyndhurst, Portsmouth, London and even Devon. Spreading the good deeds far and wide from alleyways to beaches, from Dobble cards to buttons. Dave found 24 pieces in minutes and Wilson picked way beyond 24 pieces in just 24 metres. We welcomed Clairefor her very first task with a lunchtime plog and hope to meet her in person soon. There’s a lot more places looking spick and span thanks to our efforts. Well done everyone. What a great start to the year!