A Christmas Carol

'Twas the week before Christmas, and all down the street Not a creature was stirring, not a single pair of feet; The rain was falling so heavily there, Without a care that St. Nicholas soon would be here.

The regular runners were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of PBs danced in their heads; And while people covered up with an umbrella or cap, Getting home to settle down for a long winter's nap, When out on Queen Square there arose such a chatter, People sprang from their sofas to see what was the matter.

Away to their windows they flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen rain And covered in sogginess the streets became,

When, what to their wondering eyes should appear, But 23 GoodGymers, and one tiny hamster, 12 Days of Christmas warm-up, so lively and fun, They knew in a moment it must be GoodGym's final 2018 run.

More rapid than eagles they ran to their task, And their Trainer shouted, and called them by name; "Now, RICHARD! now, SARAH! now, GEORGIA and DEB! On, HANNAH! on PAUL! on, DARREN and FRED! To the top of East Street! and on to Monica Wills! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

And then, in a twinkling, at St Monica Trust They were prancing and pawing to sing carols enough. As our friends there shook their bells and joined in, Our voices raised to a crescendo as we all began to sing.

With Gill on the piano, (and even on the guitar) We joyfully spread the Christmas cheer far. Before too long, it was time to say goodbye, After a biscuit and cuppa with our new friends of nigh'.

We quickly jogged back through the cold winter streets, With even fewer people now to meet. As we got back to Queen Square without a dent, We realised we had not yet seen the Mane Event.

Sarah's evening was not just one of good cheer, But her 200th Good Deed (with 100 in less than a year). We shouted with glee, To see Sarah's new horse tee, Congratulations Sarah, in awe we all be!

But not only that, on this final run, Our very own Paul had gone and done, His 50th Good Deed - so kudos to Paul! Your black t-shirt is waiting and BadGym no longer calls.

And once again we congratulate Deb, Who returned to Bristol with a new crown on her head. The GoodGymer who has flown most far, an accolade dealt, Only with 47 locations until her belt.

And the group stretched off; then returned with a jerk, And hurried inside to put on some more clothes, But more importantly, and this everyone knows; They sprang to the bar, for a pint and a cake, To celebrate the achievements (and the fact they can bake).

But we heard them exclaim, as they ran out of sight, HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!