I'd arrived home after last week's group run. I'd boiled the kettle. I'd poured hot water and made tea. I'd tried gloves indoors - double socks too - opened all toes and all fingers - closed them - and repeated...

...and yet... they remained solidly - unrepentantly - painfully... numb!

Oh the difference a week can make. I feel quite smug. Sat here, with tea, and warm warm warm!

This evening was a joy. And that was because of the lovely people who filled it - thank you, all.

Six of us gathered at our usual spot outside the Francis Crick, and it was lovely to see Camden core regulars Jackie, John, and Steve, and we were very pleased to welcome Jo for their first good deed (welcome!!) and my wonderful old friend, Alex!

A short warm-up and meander through Bloomsbury later, and we arrived at the American International Church to our second group of lovely and eager Goodgymers, namely Emily (great to see you back in Camden!), Jess (welcome to the group!), Camden regular Lici, and Suze (great to have you join us this evening!)

Met and welcomed by the wonderful Brooke, we were told that the shelter was busy and full this evening, which meant 18 beds needing assembly and making, and our group got to things happily and swiftly.

Along the way, we found sparkling props (hello Penny the Penguin!) and instruments, left behind by a West End musical using their space for rehearsals; played bed-tetris as we discovered the optimum way to comfortably lay out multiple beds; and all marvelled (again!) at Jackie's wonderful duvet donning skills!

Across 25 minutes, our group left a space fit to welcome the AIC's guests, and I felt grateful to have enjoyed everyone's company this evening.

Here's to next time!

Moona, Holly and I helped Andrea distribute the boxes of clothes she'd been holding on for a while. Three students who were there to make a documentary also lent us a hand. Andrea seemed happy to get both logistical and moral support as she was anxiously awaited by a number of regulars and newcomers. It was difficult to make sure everyone got something that suited their needs but we did our very best, distributing smiles alongside clothes wenever we got a chance!