... not a reference to the weather, (though, as the photo shows, the sun was trying very hard to come out over Byker Bridge!), but more of a reference to the little bit of sunshine spread by 6 Good Gymers in Morrisons today. Those daffodil hats are always a winner :)

Collecting on behalf of the fantastic charity "Marie Curie", we smiled, chatted, and listened to heart warming stories & expressions of thanks from people. Sad, yet very uplifting and fun and all in such a good cause.

We were asked following a very successful stint last year to provide volunteers to cover a fundraising day for Marie Curie at Byker Morrisons. They needed six people throughout the day so naturally we provided nine!

As you can see the group looked eye catching in trademark Marie Curie hats and no doubt raised loads of money to support Marie Curie in the outstanding work they do.

We can't wait to hear how much was raised today.

I imagine that most people are aware of the wonderful Marie Curie charity who provide care and support through terminal illness. Each year their Great Daffodil Appeal is one of their major fundraising campaigns. Of course, that’s been difficult over the last two years and so this year Marie Curie have introduced the National Day of Reflection when people will remember those they’ve lost to covid, to cancer and to every other cause, with grieving being so difficult due to lockdown restrictions.

The campaign has been going since 3rd March and finishes with the National Day of Reflection and two minutes’ silence at noon on Wednesday. Big shout out to Morrisons supermarkets for allowing Marie Curie to collect in their stores!

As the campaign heads towards its climax, Liz, Lucy, Charlotte, Seb, Sara and I played tag teams of two GoodGymers for two hours each to rattle our collection boxes, flash our best smiles and collect a few coins (and a few notes!) to boost the total. (Actually we didn’t rattle our tins as it’s not allowed, but I hope you’ll allow me the poetic license!) We were told that hats were optional but that they increase donations so it had to be done!

It was emotional at times - most people were happy to just drop their coins in the box but a few stopped to tell us stories about people they had lost and why they were donating. It costs £20 per hour of nursing care so hopefully our efforts today will make at least a small difference.

**Update: we raised an amazing £217 for Marie Curie. Well done everyone!! (Anji) **