Long day volunteering at the Manchester Half for Hannah, Gaynor, Uzondu, Hazel, and Ben.

It was early start and after arriving, we individually signed in, picked up our hi vis and lunch, and made our way to the start line to help out where we could.

Hazel got a box seat for the start, while Gaynor and Hannah were on duty to collect discarded jumpers and coats, some quite expensive by the sounds of it, to be donated to Cancer Research UK shops. There were so many bags! Several vans-worth. Uzondu and Ben, meanwhile, were in the "toilet run" ensuring people queued off the road, enabling the waves to congregate and pass through without issue. All of us seemed to be on hand to signpost where runners should go in addition to answering questions from spectators.

Come 11am, once the runners had gone and the sacks of clothes moved, we merged to board the Broom Wagon! With another group, we were to tail at the back, encouraging runners who were struggling near the back. With only a few runners struggling close to the cut off time until about mile 10 it was quite smooth, with some of us jumping out to walk/run alongside while encouraging the participants onwards. We were a little bit taken aback by the volume of plastic bottles and gel packets on the floor visible from the bus, and no surprise the council had their large roadsweepers out in force.

I think for the last section of the race, we were all out jogging or walking, helping where we could so participants could reach the goal of the finish line. It was really heartening to see them reach the line in what was often an emotional point for them.

Certainly earned the free packed lunch after that day.

Rare Monday task in Stockport, stepping in to help Plastic Shed move a few doors down to their new premises. After getting the key earlier in the day, Caitlin needed a few hands to help move all the equipment, machines, and ALL THE LIDS from their storage location to their new home.

Hannah was up to the task moving furniture from a nearby site to the store, while Hazel and Ben moved a whole room of lids and plastic down the stairs to be taken to the new store. All this while machines were wheeled, carried, and dragged to their new site of action.

After nearly 2 hours, we emptied one room and the ground floor items had all be shifted across. Great to see other locals chipping in too, and excited to see the great art work and workshops to come out of Plastic Shed.

On Tuesday evening, five GoodGymers returned to What If?, the ideas café in Edgeley, to lend a splash of colour to a set of children’s toys.

With paintbrushes in hand, they worked together to refresh the toys in time for a special party taking place on Sunday 21st September.

As if that wasn’t enough, the group even squeezed in time to finish off painting the outside railings in a bright red. This was a job they had started many months ago but had been rained off before completing.

The session was filled with teamwork and creativity, and thanks to the volunteers’ efforts both the toys and the railings are now looking fresh and ready to welcome children and families at the upcoming event.

This week, five GoodGymers returned to Grit Studios’ newly acquired building to add the finishing touches of paint, completing the transformation of the space.

Having already made a strong start last week, the team came back with plenty of energy to finish off the job.

Together they added the final coats, brightening every corner and leaving the rooms looking fresh, welcoming, and ready for creativity to take root.

The building is now almost ready to open its doors as a community hub for art projects, workshops, and exhibitions — a space where Stockport residents and artists alike can come together to collaborate and create.

Five GoodGymers rolled up their sleeves at Edgeley Community Church to tackle the weeds and tidy up the outdoor space.

Check out the egg which Hazel found in the undergrowth!

Armed with gloves, trowels, and plenty of energy, they worked together to clear paths, borders, and green areas, making the outside look much more welcoming.

The effort not only brightened up the church grounds but also created a more inviting space for everyone in the community to enjoy.

A big thank you to the team for their hard work and community spirit! 🌱✨