Tonight's mission for the Cardiff crew, the same as usual

Do Good, Get Fit

Our task, helping at the Salvation Army with the overgrown bushes and grass. The "Northlands Life House" is a hostel run by the Salvation Army, its objectives;

We offer a safe, supportive environment for individuals, helping them make positive choices about their current circumstances. As part of our Young Person’s contract, The Salvation Army provides support and accommodation for young people who are experiencing homelessness, across a range of services in Cardiff

There was a lot of work going on at the hostel, with upgrades to windows and doors. The bushes had been left for a while, so needed some TLC to tidy up the look. Michael was double hatted for this task, as both the run leader and the task organiser. The jobs that were on for the day were,

• Tidying the buses
• Removing ivy from walls
• Cutting back bramles
• Strimming the grass section
• Collecting the trimmings in wheelbarrows
• Running the wheelbarrows to the compost heap

The team went straight into volunteer mode, as Michael passed out the tools for the night (he even jumped in to help, in between photos). 30 hard minutes later, we looked back at the work achieved, it was a great help to see things looking tidier with just the tops of the hedges left to trim.

We even had a special goodgym bush now, after the hard work of Jonathan and Lucy to create our heart bush.

Thanks to all for coming out on these darker nights, the hostel appreciates the hard work. See you next time.

Nic, Michael, Martin and Flo all were down at Cardiff junior parkrun to volunteer. Cardiff junior parkrun was hosting a lot of extra new special guests. These were runners who had been expecting to do the Family Run the day before the Cardiff Half Marathon as part of the running weekend, but were left disappointed when it was cancelled due to the Storm Amy weather warnings.

These runners were able to take part at Cardiff junior parkrun instead, and experience the feeling of crossing a finish line to a cheering crowd.

Tonight the goodgymers got together to help out our friends at Samye Foundation. One of the originals for Cardiff, and one dearest to our hearts.

We were split, the walkers meeting us at the task and the runners as usual from the Glassworks.

We had our warm up, counted the runners in and said our welcome to the newest person - Lucy.

CROESO

During the run a message came through for Michael, and it all changed. Due to dental issues, our organiser had to leave the location for the task. But as we know.......

goodgym doesn't quit

Upon arrival at the Samye Foundation, Michael had a quick look around, and hey presto, a task was born.

Gloves on, volunteers ready, let's go!

We weeded all along the raised bed at the front of the yard, around the seating area and in front of the building. We cleared up all of the fallen leaves, and then we used all of this natural material as a mulch back on the soil, just as nature planned.

Weeds became mulch

Leaves became worm food

And then it was time for home.

We got plenty done, considering the last minute change. Thanks to all for coming, and hope to see you again next time.