What a Sunday! While thousands of runners were pounding the streets at the Great North Run, a small team of GoodGym cheer champions were out waving, clapping, whooping, and generally making as much joyful noise as possible.

Armed with the signature red t-shirts, a snazzy new cap and a mighty stash of jelly babies, we set up at our cheering spot just before mile 7 ready to give runners that extra boost when their legs were starting to protest. The sugar hit went down a storm – jelly babies are basically race-day rocket fuel!

The highlight? Spotting our fellow GoodGymers among the sea of vests and bibs – we even got a shout-out from the sea of runners. Nothing beats that moment of recognition and knowing the cheers are landing exactly where they’re needed.

From first-timers to seasoned marathoners, the energy on the course was electric, and it was a real privilege to add our voices to the chorus pushing everyone to the finish line.

Well done to every single runner who smashed the miles, and ate our sweets this weekend. Same time next year? Absolutely!

Three intrepid GoodGymers made their way to Greenhill Allotments to help clear one of the allotments to make it more appealing and hopefully get someone in to take it over.

It was no small task and the roots seemed determined to defeat us. Forks, hoes and a weird twisty weeding thing were put to work.

A lot of effort and only one minor health and safety incident when a root gave way which led to a flying fist and an unlucky nose…. I forgive you!

Brilliant effort by all and we’ll definitely be making a return trip.

This morning’s visit to Magret’s allotment marked a small but satisfying milestone—we finally finished clearing her plot! And just in time, too, as the sun seemed determined to melt us. Thankfully, our trusty new wheelbarrow made light(er) work of hauling weeds and trimmings, even if we were dripping by the end.

It was lovely to see that Magret has already started planting in the areas we cleared on earlier visits. Check out the photos —it’s always rewarding to know the effort is paying off.

As we dug, pulled, and sweated it out, we uncovered a surprising shared memory: Debs and I discovered we’d spent time in Jack’s hometown. That gave us a lovely excuse to pause and reminisce about Chocfest, Miss B’s charming tea rooms, and the irresistible cakes at the community café in the country park. Nothing like a little nostalgia to take your mind off the heat!

Midway through the session, Magret dropped by with Sue to chat. It was heartwarming to hear how much she’s enjoying having access to the plot—it’s clear it means a lot to her, and that’s what makes these sessions so worthwhile.

After what must be six—or maybe seven—visits, we’ve finally cleared the full length of her plot. But the job’s not quite over yet. There are still more plots in need of attention and Sue has plans to strim and mow them in preparation… and so, spades at the ready—until next time!

Sunday June 22nd had been designated as Olympic day at junior parkrun. Four GoodGymers plus Aly Dixon, an Olympic marathoner from Sunderland, turned up to help at Mowbray Park junior parkrun.

A downpour just before the start didn't dampen spirits as the event had its second highest ever attendance!