Award(robe) for Strength and Bravery

Mrs I is immobile and has been bedbound for two years. To improve her quality of life, she is to get a hoist by her bed so that she can sit up and look out the window. But first the large triple wardrobe must be removed from the bedroom and a second wardrobe removed from the landing. The extra space would also allow family and friends to visit.

Stage One was to relocate the smaller of the two wardrobes from the landing to a room downstairs. Mrs I's daughter had got the job started by emptying both wardrobes and taking the doors off the smaller one. The original instructions were to move the (relatively) small wardrobe in its semi disassembled state down stairs to the ground floor. However, after some back and forth and a review of all options, it was clear the wardrobe was simply too large to manoeuvre down and round the tight staircase.

The revised plan was to relocate the smaller wardrobe to the generous half landing / mezzanine floor. This plan eliminated the need to bend an inflexible item of furniture round corners. However, some prep work was still required because a series of grab rails made the already narrow space even narrower. Given Mrs I's current mobility, the grab rails are now redundant so could be removed.

Space prepped, the smaller wardrobe was taken down one small flight of stairs and into its new location.

Stage Two was more daunting. The triple wardrobe was a good 7 foot high and at least 9 foot long. After the last remaining hat boxes were lifted down from on top, the GoodGym team set about removing doors, shelves and hanging rails. They were then faced with The Top of the Wardrobe - a single length of (ply?)wood, complete with decorative cornice which looked very heavy and was a good foot or two above the volunteers' heads. The proximity of Mrs I in her bed, barely a meter away from the potential wardrobe avalanche was an added concern.

It was a tense few minutes as the team plucked up courage, gathered their strength, said a few prayers and got on with the job. For the first time in her GoodGym career, Anne let out a (quiet!) yelp of momentary fear. Thankfully, all went well and the top was lowered to the floor with control and considerable relief.

The Final Stage was relative child's play (but don't play on the stairs, kids) - and the team carefully carried all uprights, back panels, shelves, doors, doors with mirrors (extra heavy), top and base down to the ground floor.

Mrs I was amazed and relieved to see the wardrobe gone and is now looking forward to receiving her hoist and guests. David and Anne left, looking forward to a long cold drink!

Special thanks and acknowledgement to David who definitely did the bulk of the heavy lifting.