I'm pleased to report that my running route from Ealing to Bunny Park in Hanwell looked pretty tidy and none of the spots shouted to me to stop and get my litter picker ready. I decided to pause the run at Boles Footbridge and clear the path leading to Greenford Road - it has proven to be pretty messy if you look closely!

Some litter was not easily accessible, blocked by brambles and nettles. It brought the memories of my awesome Grandpa, who always looked for ways to stay active. I was most impressed watching how he collected nettles with his bare hands to make feed for pigs! Thirty-something years later, I was wearing shorts on my evening litter pick and decided to pull my Grandpa's trick - just with bare legs, not hands. Maybe the nettle immunity comes with age? It was just a bit tingly experience—still tingles when I write this. Don't try it at home. I mean outdoors!

Behind a particularly difficult-to-access section, I came across insane amounts of Strongbow cans and cleared most of them. I collected a laughing gas container and two full bags of rubbish before I reached Greenford Road. 7km running distance in total and a good deed completed - a decent outcome for Friday evening!