4 runners ran 4.5k to Marks and Spencers to help Interact raise money

David, Laurie and Lewis jogged to Marks and Spencer at Clocktower Retail Park, to meet Rachel, and then Andy from Interact and another volunteer, Ben, to pack shoppers bags to fundraise for Interact.

It was a fast start, with Marks and Spencer's shoppers keen to get home to prepare their barbecues on a sunny bank holiday Sunday. As there were quite a few of us, David and Ben set up at the entrance to raise funds too. Alongside assisting shoppers to pack their bags, we raised money for Interact, and spread the word about what this wonderful charity does.

We hope to do this again soon!

Laurie

9 runners ran 8.3km to Broomfield Hospital to plant

We met at Mildmay Gym and commiserated over none of us getting into the London Marathon. After those brief seconds (or joy for me!), we set off to Broomfield Hospital. No one offered to lead, but David, Joel and Joseph naturally led us out. Catherine and Lewis backmarked, chatting the whole way there.

Richard greeted us at the Quadrangle. He asked us to plant some hedge plants along the edges of three beds, and remove some geraniums for replanting. Everyone got started on planting the hedges, with James digging a large hole as a temporary home for the geraniums. We managed to get two of the four beds completed, and David, Jenny and Lewis making a start on the third. Once Fay, Catherine , Joel and Joseph had finished their section, they were drafted in to help finish the third section with the others. It was easily done in ten minutes, although Fay did have to tag in Joel for her last one, due to over-squatting.

Once done, we popped over the sunken garden to show those who hadn't seen it in its beautiful finished glory, and then set off back. We left Catherine, Fay and Lewis on the way, and jogged gently back to ARU.

Thanks everyone for coming along - it's always lovely to go and make a difference in the hospital gardens.

Next week we are led by Gerry to Kids Inspire, see you all then!

Laurie

11 runners and 3 witches ran 8.5k for Mencap to Farleigh Hospice

After a day of not-so-running-friendly weather, 14 of us decided we wanted to enjoy the evening sun. We met at our usual spot at ARU Sports Centre and limbered up. Setting off with Cara and James leading at Marathon pace we had time to kill by the time we were a brisk 3k in, so posed for a photo that many have called better than any Rich Walker has ever taken, even if you can't tell it spells out 'GOODGYM'! Dodging cars on the track to Farleigh Hospice (safely of course) we made our way to the Vegetable Garden while I went to sign us in, after being mistaken for a choir member.

I used my dulcet tones to let everyone know what we were doing - clearing a garden bed to allow it to be repaired. It was a small space for us to work in so we had a great barrow rotation system going. While Rachel posed for a photo shoot (I honestly could have used 20 different photos of her!), everyone else got to work. We emptied the bed as best we could and Catherine, Laurie and Cara rode their broomsticks around the allotment before sweeping up after us.

We set off into the fading sunlight to run the way back. While stretching I reminded everyone that we are doing the pub quiz at the Golden Fleece on Thursday 3rd so hope to put other muscles to work tomorrow.

We are volunteering at Parkrun on 12th May as a group then going for breakfast - so please sign up and let us know if there is anywhere you recommend for a morning bite to eat! Thanks to everyone for coming!