Last night was a satisfying Group Run as we visited NEST to bring some disMANtle power 

Some GoodGym OGs may remember that a few years ago we did an epic shelf-building task for NEST, the charity that supports refugees in our city, based at Newcastle University. Our midweek group run was to return and dismantle the shelves that have started to sag under the weight of use.

It was great to welcome Sophie back for her second-ever GG NCL task and she got stuck into shelf dismantling in the main storage room with Liz and Louise, while Paul, Tanya and Deb brought their units out to the corridor to have a SMASHING time. It was a really satisfying task to smash, bash and stack the shelves but nearby students attempting to study didn't seem to agree (sorrrryyyyyy!)

Louise and Liz managed to get very small (but very dramatic in Louise's case!) cuts and carried on regardless, meaning the job was done within 25 minutes. All that remained was transporting the shelf parts to the nearby skip space- this and a trolley proving to be the noisiest part of the night!.

A multi station circuit and strides rounded off the night nicely and we headed back full of satisfaction and aching arms.

Next week's group run is a slightly more sedate leaflet drop.. hope you can join us.

A few logistical hiccups last night meant it was a change to the start of the planned group run. I am isolating.. again! and Charlotte was stuck in Gateshead for the second time in a week, but a super six GoodGymers arrived at the old stomping ground of Hotel Indigo ready to rock. There were a few pairs of tired legs, as Paul, Louise and Michael were sporting Great North Run Monday legs after a brilliant day in our city.

Michael, Liz and Tanya made their way up to Newcastle University ahead of the runners and from my end of the phone (Tanya with the loudest laugh in the world) it sounded like they were having a ball. Remind me to always be with the walkers when I come back! They met Bridget our task owner first who explained the job in hand.

We were helping the brilliant NEST, a project at Newcastle University that supports asylum seekers in our city. They have been working on a huge project to create care packs and provide clothing donations to refugees. Our job tonight was to continue working through the huge amount of donations that have come in from generous Geordies for NEST.

Paul said, "When we got there, the whole computer area had been set up for sorting, it was full of IKEA bags. Our job was to sort clothing donations, but there were also a huge amount of toys and other things for other people to do"

The super six made a big difference, but it's easy to see from the photos how much is still left to do. If you have any time to spare this week to help out, please get in touch with me and I will link you up with Bridget as this project needs to be completed by Sunday!

"It was brilliant to be back!" - Louise.