It went well except I just couldn't find one item on the shopping list but luckily it was not an important one and Ms D didn't mind at all

Last night we met under the iconic London Eye for a very special session. Not only was it amazing to welcome back Kike and Joe, but we also got to cheer Thomas who was along for his very first GoodGym experience!

We had an extra reason to feel positive. Last night we collaborated with Sport England to raise awareness about This Girl Can's Lift the Curfew initiative, which helps raise awareness about the risks women face running after dark. As a society we can make it safer. So, armed with one enormous flag, we had some photos taken courtesy of Chris (thank you) with the London skyline in the background. The only question is what will we do with the flag now? Double duvet cover? Sail? Tent? Let me know if you have any suggestions!

Our task for the day involved supporting GROAD, a charity dedicated to helping rough sleepers, refugees, and anybody living with financial insecurity in London. GROAD focuses on providing essential items, such as clothes and bedding, which can make a significant difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.

Rail-y great work

During the session, we transported the donations to the railings to display them to their greatest advantage before sorted and distributed clothing and bedding to individuals in need. It was heartwarming to see the direct impact of our efforts; every item handed out was met with appreciation. It’s a reminder of how vital community support is for those facing tough circumstances.

Thank you all for your incredible effort last night! You made a huge difference. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the next session where we'll be handing out hot food.

I found myself flyering solo last night delivering leaflets for FoodCycle, an amazing organisation which uses surplus food to offer free meals to those who need it. They are looking for more volunteers at their central hub, so sent us a bunch of leaflets to help spread the word. It's so much fun to be out in a group doing something positive, and the more people the better it is, so why not come join me every Tuesday evening in Wandsworth? Our next session is distributing clothes and bedding to rough sleepers so it promises to be a really rewarding one!

Thankfully along the way I last night I bumped into a little orange buddy who was furry-ous to be left out of the fun - if you don't want to miss out either, have a look at what's going on in Westminster!

GoodGym tasks are not just about getting active, supporting communities and lending a hand. Yes, they are all those things, but sometimes they can also be about stumbling across some extraordinary finds...

Just this week, for example, we were sorting out tools and donations at a local food waste charity in Wandsworth when we came across a flame thrower. The task owner claimed she used it to light her cigarettes, but we didn't question that one too closely. We've also cleared out storage cupboards where we found a Victorian dentistry kit and an abandoned wedding dress, worked by the river and spotted a real life message in a bottle, and during the course of litter picks we have uncovered several unmentionable items!

Help and safe-ty

Last night's session at St Andrew's Youth Club was one of those times we discovered something very cool. Our job for the evening was to help empty a full staff room and to shift all the items to various spaces around the building - which were mostly, unfortunately, up several flights of stairs. This amazing centre offers kids the opportunities to learn sports, music, arts and more.

The variety of different activities taking place in every room was inspiring. It also came with it an impressive level of music, voices and sounds from every single corner, which was perhaps what has prompted manager Adrian to transform the staff room into a sensory room for those that need some quiet.

Stairs in their Eyes

First it needed to be cleared. Out came dog beds and boxing gloves, computers and desks, clothes and sports gear. Then came the really heavy stuff. While Michelle and I took on a more 'strategic' role and loaded up the lift, Chalomi and Jacob took on the challenge of shifting some extremely substantial filing cabinets up the stairs. What a workout!

Meanwhile Ivo uncovered an incredible find which had been hiding underneath everything else. A very old, very heavy and absolutely massive antique metal safe, complete with beautiful hand shaped knob. What could be inside? While Adrian located the huge key we all stood back and waited expectantly to see what treasures lay within. What did we spy inside? The secret remains within the walls of the oldest youth club in the world - and you'll have to come along to the next task there to find out for yourself!

Shout out to all the different areas represented last night - we had GGers from Hounslow, Wandsworth, Southwark and Tower Hamlets and lovely to have the central team so brilliantly represented. Next week we're off to do some flyering for the brilliant local organisation FoodCycle to help spread the word about free meals for those who need it, and how to volunteer as well. Hope to see you there!

On my way to work today, I witnessed an accident where a lady had fallen off the escalator bringing everyone down with her. People were literally stumbling onto each other, as they had not noticed the accident being on their phone.

Most people just looked at it and continued their journey but myself and two others rushed in to help. Another woman who had stumbled struggled to get back so I helped her stand up and checked for any injuries. The lady that fell first was now against the wall sat down with the help of strangers. She seems to have fainted or gone very weak which I felt it was likely due to dehydration. A kind stranger came in and gave her some water, and the colour to her face started to return.

She rested for a while, asking for help to stand up which we did, while I checked that she was not at a risk of falling again. She said she felt fine and picked up her bags and started to move, while another person said they'd be going the same direction and would look out for her. She was very grateful for the assist, as was the other lady who had fallen.

It was a new task for GoodGym Westminster last night, as we went to help out Notre Dame refugee centre sort out their donations. When we arrived and were led down to the cellar we were greeted by an enormous pile of clothes and other donations - I'm going to blame the lack of photos of the task last on the sheer scale of the job! (apologies)

Claire and I got cracking straight away, sorting coats, jumpers and shoes, discarding summer items and even making a call on some very glamourous ball gowns. For some of the evening we were also kept company by a couple of the amazing people who advise refugees in precarious situations, ultimately helping them be reunited with the family after they have been granted safe immigration status. To get to this point many of them have experienced some extremely tough times and the centre helps them navigate through it.

The hour flew by and although we made a big dent (by which I mean you could now see the floor!), there is still plenty to be done. watch this space for the next visit!

We emerged from the cellar to sound of the choir practising in the adjoining church before swinging open the doors and heading back into the hustle and bustle of Leicester Square.

Next week I'm away but there will another session with Rhythms of Life handing out hot food and drinks to rough sleepers and Andrew is keen for any help!

Ps in the absence of any evidence from last night the photo attached is the pile of donations we sorted for Syrian refugees in Wandsworth - another epic challenge!