16 runners ran 5K to one of the Colchester Borough Homes sites to offer a helping hand on a wet Wednesday evening.

We met at Leisure world and celebrated some recent running achievements including Andy's Chelmsford marathon, completed on a brief visit back from Kenya, Hannah's Budapest marathon and Ella's excellent finish for the Harriers at a cross country meet at the weekend. This week also marked 25 Goodgym Coach runs from Emily who visits an older isolated person each Thursday for a chat and a cuppa. It was great to have new member Chloe joining us and Marcella returning for her second week.

We made our way zig-zagging through Colchester town until we reached Plum Hall up near Abbey Fields to a cheer from some of the residents who had kindly organised some cold drinks for us. Rebecca from CBH set us to work collecting leaves, planting plants and litter picking. As we worked the rain started to come down, but it didn't dampen our spirits as we did what we could to clear slippery hazards in the dark.

We bid farewell to Sam before running back down to town via a different route. There was enough time for a quick snap before a few headed back to Leisure World, with the rest of us heading along the High St to Wagamama. We enjoyed a great social meal celebrating Alex's 30th which involved two renditions of "Happy Birthday" and some lovely chocolate cake.

Thanks everyone for another fun evening of friendship, celebration and making a positive impact on our community. You're all heroes!