Last night 7 members of ran 7.8km to the allotments in Thornton Heath to assist Unique Roots, prepare and get ready for spring.

We also extended a warm welcome to Paul who was joining us for his first group run. Paul is an employee of Octopus and have heard about us through our partnership with Octopus. He had signed up to join us last week but forgot to take his running trainers to work with him, however this week he ensured he had his full kit as he did not want to mis out on a Goodgym experience.

Following our introductions and small chat we headed outside the gym for our warm up to get us all prepared for the jog as this was one of our furthest task.

After our warm up we set off running with Ros as our back marker to ensure no one was left behind.

We had to navigate the busy streets of west Croydon which always seems to be very busy during our outward journey whenever we have a task that side of Croydon.

We arrived at our task, where Pam was awaiting us, with various task to complete.

She had a planter new planter that she wanted to me placed on the other side of the site but before moving it we had to clear the space where it was going to be relocated to. Everyone got stuck into clearing the site for the planter and when it was cleared they all carried the planter to its new location. Pam was really excited as she explained it would have been impossible for her services users to relocate due to their disabilities.

There were wheel barrows to be pumped up and some ground sheets needed to be folded and stored away. While some member focused on the ground sheet some were busy trying to unscrew the dust caps from the wheel barrows which somehow seemed to have been sealed to the vales due to the weather and dust they had collected, however those trying to unscrew the dust caps where triumphant in their endeavours and came out on top. Some of the wheels had punctures so they took them off so that Pam could buy replacement wheels.

Before we knew it our time at the allotments had come to an end and we bid our farewell to Pam.

Next week we'll be seeing the lovely Pam from Unique Roots again as we'll be visiting another of the projects in Valley Park, Kate will be leading the group come and support her on her maiden run by signing up here

Remember to give Paul some love by clicking on his profile and give him a cheer or two while supporting him.