I have visited Ms H right after finishing my earlier lawn mowing mission. I arrived perfectly on time ⌚️. I rung doorbell a couple of times and got no response so I eventually called Ms H on her mobile 🤳. Only then she opened the door and welcomed me (she said she didn't hear the bell).

She led me to the backgarden and - being very frank here - it looked incredibly well maintained already. It was mostly some tiny 🔎 weeds sticking out between the tiles but it wasn't that much. There were also patches laid out with stones/gravel where the weeds found their way out to the surface that needed to be taken care of.

As the rain was pretty heavy 🌧 at that point Ms H tripple checked with me if I am OK to continue. It was bearable but needed to admit I had second thoughts at some point 🙄.

I have managed to complete the task in around 1h and 10 mins. My proceedings must have annoyed a giant earth worm 🪱 as it moved from the central space in the garden to a nearby pot.

Soaked but happy - I went home after putting a waste bag in secure space and saying goodbye to Ms H. She seemed very pleased with the outcome.

I have arrived few minutes past 11 as was misled by the navigation 🧭🤔. Ended up working a bit longer so fully covered my 1.5h slot.

Ms H and her sister already started some work in the garden 👩‍🌾👩‍🌾 when I arrived. They were preparing a lawnmower for me - incl. cable extension and sharpening the blades to make the work a bit smoother. While they did that I have started deweeding but then moved to the lawnmower as soon as it soon as it was ready.

Mowing the lawn was pretty straightforward but the area was quite bit so it took me around 50 mins to complete the task. I am still quite surprised with how quickly the container was filling up with the grass 🌱 and leaves 🍃 and needed to be emptied.

After that was done, I came back to deweeding tasks, prioritising the central square area of the garden. Made it all nice and clean 👌 before starting on the weeds near the fence.

Unfortunately I run out of time ⏳️to fully finish deweeding so there is still quite big area that requires help (maybe another mission). I used old carpet pieces to cover the cleaned area (as I was requested to do) so the weeds won't be able to regrow.

The sisters were really grateful for help and also very caring - they kept offering me breaks, water ect. The rain 🌧 started to be quite heavy so I left the property quite wet once I finished.

Yesterday, our big-hearted GoodGymers came together at Elm Road Playground with one clear goal: to make the space safer and more welcoming for little ones to play. Armed with determination, gardening tools, and plenty of head torches, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work, clearing dry autumn leaves and digging out stubborn weeds rooted deep in the soil. Every minute was powered by our shared love for the community and a strong desire to give back. It was a chilled, productive evening, filled with hearty conversations, teamwork, and good vibes. We combined fitness, friendship, and social action, proving once again that doing good really does feel good.

I helped with Ms F's shopping 🛍 today. I arrived at around 6 pm at the door but the buzzer downstairs didn't seem to work (at least there was no sound when I pressed the button). I called Ms F on her mobile 🤳📞 and she let me in.

Ms F had the shopping list prepared upfront and she walked me through it carefully indicating which of the items are supposed to be purchased to make sure we'll use all the Waitrose vouchers 🛒🤸‍♂️.

After asking for a battered haddock 🎣 at the fish counter the lady serving the products asked if this is for Ms F - it seems it's a well known order from her! She asked me to say "Hi" to Ms F when I get back.

I was able to purchase all products from the list (even a bottle of Mr F's favourite rose wine) except of round beans 🫘 which were not in stock.

I came back with trhe shopping after around 45 mins and - as always - was struggling a little bit with fitting in with everything into the tiny lift in Mr's block of flats.

Mr F was really grateful and pretty cheerful when I got back with the shopping. She said she needed a bit of an uplift as someone from her family recently passed away.

London's community half marathon went red this year! 🔥

A huge congratulations to the oodles of GoodGym folk who caught well-earned happy mornings under a hot-hot-hot late summer sun ☺️

It was the biggest joy seeing you all!

Please send me your photos (!) and I will pop them up here (alexmurtough@goodgym.org) ❤️