Helen, Ros and Sarah met at the William Morris Gallery steps for a social run to mark the Goodgym crossover with This Girl Can, drawing attention to the issue of women's safety when out running in the darker winter months. And dark it most certainly was! It definitely felt like autumn had well and truly arrived. We had a lovely jog to Cheney Row Park, where we had a little bounce on the trampolines in memory of our dear friend Ray, and then we circled back to Lloyd Park and up to Yardsale, where we made the most of their crossover with Dishoom and demolished a giganitc and very delicious spicy Indian pizza. I think we would all admit that we wouldn't have fancied a solo run this evening in the cold darkness, so it was especially lovely to get together, have a jog, catch up, reminisce and raise a glass to Goodgym friends no longer with us. Our little social run may not look like much, but it felt like a Very Good Thing!

Five happy Goodgymmers (Lily, Manuel, Pippa, Ros and Sarah) braved a dark task at St Mary’s Churchyard, to tackle the ever-accumulating autumn leaves. Thankfully the rain stopped in good time, and armed with rakes, brooms, scoops and a brilliant leaf grabber, we set to work clearing the pathways round the church, which were inundated with soggy, slippery leaves. Many hands made light work, and we quickly filled the four huge rubble bags that Tim the Head Gardener at St Mary’s had left for us. While of course the leaves continue to fall and more clearing will soon be needed, we did a great job and the paths were tidier and safer in no time at all! A satisfying task indeed, and a couple of passers-by thanked us for our efforts, which was lovely! Special mention to Manuel, who was doing his first ever Goodgym task! (Apologies for the stock photo of autumn leaves - we forgot to do our before and after pictures!!!)

Is this a bit tardy in its publication? YES. Would Raymond ordinarily have already sent me a reminder and a gentle ribbing? TOO RIGHT.

So many of us came together last Saturday morning at Walthamstow Parkrun for a GoodGym takeover, to celebrate and remember Raymond/Ramon/Ray as he was variously known, who we lost so sadly and suddenly just before Christmas, on 18th December.

There was a huge turnout, despite the freezing 🥶 weather, reflective of how much he was loved, with close family and friends from all areas of his life coming together. Ably run-directed by the lovely Louise, and I have no doubt that Raymond would have loved seeing his son start the runners off, which he did with aplomb.

And SO many Goodgymers! Thank-you Ruby for organising, and Saj, and many more. A full complement of GG marshals, time keepers, barcode scanners. Not just from GG Waltham Forest, oh no. You see, not only was Ramon an active member of GGWF (let’s be honest, Raymond WAS GGWF!), he did so many GG tasks for other branches too. Particularly solo missions for isolated people in all of Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Hackney, Harringey, Tower Hamlets, Islington, and probably more. He wasn’t flashy, he just got on with it, including what he was able to do during COVID. Like it says on his GG Page “Just me…No Dramas”.

He was a friend to many, enormously perceptive and kind, being quietly or completely not quietly (😊) supportive when required! He had a wicked sense of fun, and he never turned down a challenge to construct the most outlandish random outfits while rummaging through and organising charity donations 🦸🏾‍♂️.

Thanks to GG Ivofor coming (always a pleasure), Latoyafrom @GoodGymHaringey , and so many others who were lucky enough to have known Ramon, and had the opportunity to “do good” alongside him.

It was truly wonderful meeting some special people in Ramon’s life, and having a good chin wag while being the Tail Walker and sharing memories of him.

It wouldn’t have been Walthamstow Parkrun without some cake 🍰 at the end, and then off to the local greasy spoon, as I am sure Ramon would agree, was only right and proper.

Farewell lovely Raymond. Please consider making a donation in his name to one of the 3 excellent charities on the flyer. Thank-you.