Goodgym Haringey got together last night with a very special purpose in mind - to celebrate a departed friend, whose love for life, disposition for a good laugh, and thirst for just a few more Ks was intoxicating and contagious. The thing about death is that it doesn't care about fairness and sometimes it takes from us people who just had too much damn living ahead of them, leaving those of us still around with such a deep sense of loss. Nurj knew this and last time I saw her at the hospital, she made me promise her in that matter-of-factly kind of way of hers that I needed to make sure her Goodgym lot as she called us would be ok afterwards because after all she wouldn't be around to do so. Bloody strong to the end, our Nurj.

So, as a way of keeping a promise, the Goodgym Haringey family decided to bring some new life into this wonderful London borough that she so loved. We planted a baby tree, which will be around for many years to come, and where us Goodgymmers can go and share a quick laugh or the latest juicy goss with Nurj. A Royal Beauty by name, this tree will be all colours and fancy things as seasons change so we know Nurjehan would have approved. And also, as her Goodgym lot got together last night for the customary rummage through a community garden on a lovely warm Wednesday evening at the end of another Summer season, sharing a laugh, some memories, and some tears, I know she would have smiled at her favourite Goodgym in the country and felt proud. We'll never stop missing you on Wednesday evenings, good friend.

12 adoughrable Goodgymmers went to the Haringey Foodbank for a pasta extravaganza!

The night was kicked off by Kapil, Juan, and Charlie who joined me for a speedy 5k run through the night to the Selby Centre.

Once we got there, we were met by Rosa, Marusha, Sylvester, Cathy, Sam, Neil, Natasha, and Sarah - and everyone was raring to go.

I divided the group into two teams. Team A went straight into the foodbank for a swift pasta-sorting session, whilst Team B stayed outside where Sarah put them through their paces with a spirited training session.

Team A wasted no time in transferring mounds of pasta into crates, destined for a food delivery today. Meanwhile, outside, Sarah and Team B were Cariocaing their way through the cold. At around 7:30 the teams switched positions, and Team B warmed up by sorting out cereal for today's food drop, while Team A were welcome with High Knees and whatnot by Sarah outside.

Honourable mention for Cathy, who hurt her ankle thanks to an errant rock, but continued smiling and stayed cheerful till the end of the season. You rock! <3

After about an hour, Femi from the Foodbank was satisfied we had put in a proper shift and sent us out into the night. Marusha handed out home-grown cucumbers as we settled down for some photos. All in all, a rather successful night.