Lewisham

Mission

Put a fork in it, we are done!

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

  • Jess
  • Mridula Iyer
 
Sunday, 9th of April 2017

In the perfect weather that the whole country was experiencing today, two goodgymers (Jess and Mridula (me)) decided to help Ms C plant some bulbs and flowers just in time for spring.

For the second time in a row, I was lucky enough to go running with a goodgym veteran. Another 200 missioner (nice work Jess) and garden expert (well next to me), my partner in good deeding and I rocked up to Ms C's house, ready to plant some bulbs and flowers. Little did we know that Ms C, had had a kindly neighbour come over and help her out with that earlier that week! The goodgym spirit is clearly contagious!

Having said that there was still a considerable amount to do in Ms C's beautiful back yard. The heat was drying out some of Ms C's plants, so I set about watering them whilst Jess started on the weeds in Ms C's garden's. Also, like any true goodgym runner, she also multi tasked by assuming a side lunge position whilst completing her task. It's important to stretch adductors and glutes, they are used to propel you forward whilst running (I hope this earns me some brownie points with my goodgym coaches!).

Once the watering was done, I set about helping Jess with her deweeding, and was reliably informed that a fork is just as good as a trowel for this task. I also learnt about the importance of composting. Potentially all this advice will one day help me not kill all the plants I bring into my home.

Ms C also showed us pictures of her children and grandchildren. Her grandchildren are of an impressive pedigree, doctor's and accountants, but the pictures we saw of them were of little kids. Ms C has lived in the neighbourhood for more than 30 years and her garden told a story about all the family afternoons spent there. As always, it really is a privilege to be let into someone else's world for an afternoon.

Ms C kindly offered us some fancy soda, and we grabbed those and headed back out into the gorgeous sunshine to get about the remainder of our days. Jess and I headed back to the bus station to head on home, which happened to be the first stop after a bus terminus. On a semi interesting (playing fast and loose with that term) side note, I have an fear of bus termini given that when I was 11 and living in Singapore I fell asleep on a bus and ended up at a border control in Malaysia. More on that story in my next run report! For now, I will sign off by just saying, another day, another good deed done! Thanks Goodgym!


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

Help in the garden at The Albany

Monday 18:45 - 20:30
Led by Kim Parker
Glass Mill Leisure Centre

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