17 of us ran, walked 4km and cleaned our socks off at Swindon Night Shelter @ St Mary’s Church.

We’ve helped at The Hive and the Haven, and now the Night Shelter itself!

The Night Shelter is a Christian charity whose mission is to serve those who are homeless, vulnerable and struggling in Swindon. They operate across a few different sites.

After a quick change a couple of weeks ago from the previously scheduled trip to the Haven, we were booked to clean up at the Night Shelter, based at St Mary’s Church Hall on Cheney Manor Road.

As this was a shorter run, we were also able to offer a walking option to the good deed for the first time. This is an inclusive new option for those who are perhaps building up their fitness, recovering from injury, or just want to do good, get fit at their own pace.

The walking group set off a little early, led by Task Force Mike, chatting while we walked. Meanwhile, the running group moved outside for a slightly more dramatic brief than usual!

Part way through the running brief, Charles saved Kay’s life.

A self confessed tripper, as Kay fell over Charles grabbed ahold of Kay’s arm, and in superhero fashion pulled her straight back up again! Wow!

The running group soon set off, led by The Trainer, and before we knew it we were all at St Mary’s Church.

Get us to the church on time for heaven’s sake!

When we arrived, Des, a Night Shelter Van Driver let us in, and we could hear the pounding tunes of Zumba in the church hall!

No time for us to dance, we had jobs to do, which included:

• Clean the kitchen, fridge and cupboards
• Date check food
• Wash and clean sides
• Clean microwave and oven
• Clean toilets and shower
• Mop the floors
• Vacuum
• Sort clothes and sleeping bags on shelves
• And many, many more

With so many tasks, we formed into groups, rolled up our sleeves and got stuck in...

Some of us used to hate soap, but we’re all clean now!

Highlights include:

• Mike and Andrew cleaning the gents loo, spotting a toilet twinning sign for a loo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, then saying ‘I hope we don’t have to go and clean that next week!’

• The kitchen team doing an amazing job of the kitchen, with all appliances sparkling!

• The store room team racing through the sorting, and then having the surprisingly difficult task of tracking down a plug socket for the vacuum cleaner. That really sucked!

Before we knew it, we had blitzed clean St Mary’s Church Hall, taken the group photo, and we were back on the road!

Back at the Oasis, some of us said their goodbyes while the others prepared for one of Crazy Leg’s famous Beastings!

Except, this wasn’t a usual beasting. This was the most amazing, life-affirming workout sessions any of us had ever had. We all left 100% stronger armed with some amazing exercise tips!

Why don’t you join us for a group run or walk soon?

Upcoming:

We’re currently looking at dates for the next GoodGym Swindon Social, laser quest and food at Shaw Ridge. Vote on the doodle poll here!

Our next Group Walk is on Tuesday 12th March, prepping furniture ready for painting by ‘Men in Sheds’.

The next Group Run is next Tuesday Delivering Flyers to Households in Penhill - Part 2!

This Saturday is also the 9th anniversary of Swindon parkrun. If you’re coming along, pull on some fancy dress and join us! Click here to visit the Swindon parkrun website. Don't forget your barcode!