6 Goodgymmers swept the evening cold vibes under the carpet as they imbibed into a good spot of the GG classic that is leaf sweeping.

Alas, Poor Dave

Dave and Jack met Gramps at BHY for a nice run to Russell Park, where we had been summoned for a bit of path maintenance as the leaves were making the area particularly slippery.

We were joined at task by Paul and Veronika at first, while Latoya went into her regular Wood Green walkabout as she looked for Russell Park. Reader, it wasn't the first time, and rest assured, it won't be the last!

Once we were together, we got on with the job at hand, most of us struggling a bit under the cover of darkness - except for Veronika who seemed to have developed an allergy to the light from my portable lamps. Hmm.

Before you knew it, we were nearly done so Jack and Veronika even had a bit of time to do a bit of weeding some wild garlic out of one of the flowerbeds in Floyde's Garden.

We all then headed back home/ BHY while Latoya rolled out the extremely impressive list of races she's running this year. Let's just hope none of those are in Russell Park.

Is this a bit tardy in its publication? YES. Would Raymond ordinarily have already sent me a reminder and a gentle ribbing? TOO RIGHT.

So many of us came together last Saturday morning at Walthamstow Parkrun for a GoodGym takeover, to celebrate and remember Raymond/Ramon/Ray as he was variously known, who we lost so sadly and suddenly just before Christmas, on 18th December.

There was a huge turnout, despite the freezing 🥶 weather, reflective of how much he was loved, with close family and friends from all areas of his life coming together. Ably run-directed by the lovely Louise, and I have no doubt that Raymond would have loved seeing his son start the runners off, which he did with aplomb.

And SO many Goodgymers! Thank-you Ruby for organising, and Saj, and many more. A full complement of GG marshals, time keepers, barcode scanners. Not just from GG Waltham Forest, oh no. You see, not only was Ramon an active member of GGWF (let’s be honest, Raymond WAS GGWF!), he did so many GG tasks for other branches too. Particularly solo missions for isolated people in all of Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Hackney, Harringey, Tower Hamlets, Islington, and probably more. He wasn’t flashy, he just got on with it, including what he was able to do during COVID. Like it says on his GG Page “Just me…No Dramas”.

He was a friend to many, enormously perceptive and kind, being quietly or completely not quietly (😊) supportive when required! He had a wicked sense of fun, and he never turned down a challenge to construct the most outlandish random outfits while rummaging through and organising charity donations 🦸🏾‍♂️.

Thanks to GG Ivofor coming (always a pleasure), Latoyafrom @GoodGymHaringey , and so many others who were lucky enough to have known Ramon, and had the opportunity to “do good” alongside him.

It was truly wonderful meeting some special people in Ramon’s life, and having a good chin wag while being the Tail Walker and sharing memories of him.

It wouldn’t have been Walthamstow Parkrun without some cake 🍰 at the end, and then off to the local greasy spoon, as I am sure Ramon would agree, was only right and proper.

Farewell lovely Raymond. Please consider making a donation in his name to one of the 3 excellent charities on the flyer. Thank-you.