GoodGym Richmond runs on flower power

As a group we collectively worked on a pun for tonight's run but nothing really POPPED up. In keeping timely with the weekend's events our task this week was for the Poppy Factory in Richmond . The Poppy Factory has been based in Richmond since 1922 and whilst we correctly consider the poppy flower as the emblem for remembering all those who gave their lives to their country during the war; the Poppy Factory is also “the country's leading employment charity for veterans with health conditions or impairments.” The work they do enables many to regain some independence.

For those that are wondering the factory itself is nestled just under Richmond Hill opposite the river, it is well worth a visit (although you need to book), particularly for those who have lost loved ones during the war or simply those that wish to improve their history.

On to our task... as a charity the factory is dependent on the good will of the community and runs a number of yearly events which enable us to contribute. The particular event that we were promoting is a Carol Concert, on Wednesday 14th December, 7pm at St Mary's Church, Church St, Twickenham, TW1 3NJ (Jazz FM and a celebrity DJ will be hosting and if that's not enough to get you there then hopefully the wonderful Military Wives choir or simply the mince pie and mulled wine will do the trick.)

Let us not let people forget all we can still do to help those with the everyday battles they face to adjust to civilian life.

Hopefully the leaflets that the GoodGym Richmond team carried over their 6/7km run and posted throughout the neighbouring towns will raise enough interest to contribute to the success of the event. Whilst most would have been watching Eastenders as their leaflet slipped into their letter box the GG team slight in numbers but big in heart managed some 500+ leaflets. This was in addition to stair shuttle runs and overall body conditioning exercises which took place along the river. Not to mention that one runner had already ditched their car in the next town and made a 20 minute run in the dark alone to avoid the traffic whilst another joined us from as near as BRISTOL and wait for it...yes I am lucky to be typing this, after avoiding close collision with a mini cooper on my way to host the task. No sympathy please, not for me at least, the graze team already comforted us after the trails we faced with boxes of Scooby snacks.

Thank you all for the run tonight, it was great to run with you