Camden

Mission

No likey no lighty

2 GoodGymers made their way to help an isolated older person in Camden.

  • Mark Gilyead
  • Patrick Luong
 
Monday, 27th of February 2017

Two GoodGymmers brightened up B's day and helped her sleep well at night by changing her lightbulbs, testing her smoke alarm and turning her mattress

Mark and I met at dusk and met our lovely host for the evening, B. She needed some lightbulbs replaced in her kitchen and had been incredibly active (especially for an 87-year old!) but isn't able to use the step ladder as she has had not one, but two, hip operations.

Thankfully, B's physio put her in touch with two GoodGym runners in search of a light workout.

Making light work of it

B had two rows of halogen spotlights in her kitchen but three of the eight bulbs no longer did their job. This left some parts of the kitchen in the dark.

We took out the step ladder and new light bulbs then up Mark got and replaced the first. I managed to remove the second and had trouble getting the replacement in but then Mark stepped up and took mere seconds to do the job. Great work, Mark, I could have been there a while! It then made sense for Mark to fit the third bulb (again in seconds).

The kitchen was much brighter afterwards.

Beep test

While Mark was fitting light bulbs we heard a low beep which B thought was her smoke alarm (but we knew we hadn't started a fire!!!).

We established it wasn't the washing machine or the door entry system. I followed B to the hallway and identified it was the phone, but while on the subject of beeping, B thought we could also change her smoke alarm battery. She said it had been beeping lately and someone told her this meant the battery needed replacing.

On closer inspection the model said the battery couldn't be replaced but I suggested Mark climb up and test the alarm to reassure B that it was working.

Got to turn around

B liked our style and the concept of a GoodGym mission so found a couple more tasks.

I'd remarked that I'd recently flipped my mattress for the first time in months after my shoulder surgery and this gave B the idea to ask us to turn her mattress so she could get a good night's sleep.

This is the beauty and simplicity of a GoodGym mission; a straightforward household task with a big impact to everyday lives.

It's time to take out the trash

B was delighted with our speedy and helpful work and just asked us to take out two bags of recycling as we left to go on our separate runs home.


Discuss this report

sign in to add a comment

Share the love

Get your mission on

What are you waiting for?

Find a mission

Join us on the next run

Filling Holes 🪛 + Sanding Walls ⌛ at Brady Arts and Community Centre!!

Wednesday 18:15 - 19:45
Led by Alex Murtough


Opposite Barbican Underground Station

Find out more

Become a member

with an optional monthly donation

  • Run, walk, or cycle to help older people
  • Access sessions across the country
  • Claim your GoodGym t-shirt

Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more