July 12, 2021
Featuring
Frances Collier-Wright has been a member of GoodGym Lambeth since April 2017 and recently completed her 500th good deed, delivering food to an isolated older person.
“Oddly, for something I have been working towards for over four years, it didn’t feel that significant” she explains. “Friends often say how ‘good’ I am for volunteering with GoodGym, but I get so much out of it myself that it doesn’t feel like I reached a goal - it was just one shopping mission for one person.”
Looking back over her 500 run reports brought back fond memories of “fun times” for her.
“Enjoying GoodGym means enjoying helping others” Frances explains. “With missions you have a direct positive impact on one person’s wellbeing.”
“At group runs and community missions, what I get out of it depends on my mood” she continues. “Sometimes I just want to get stuck into something physical and mindless after a tough day at work, and other times I enjoy the chance to chat and catch up with people. Whatever the task, I always leave GoodGym feeling happier and more fulfilled than when I arrived.”
Why would she recommend GoodGym to others?
“GoodGym will give back as much as you put in” she replies. “Some people value the fitness benefits or being challenged to become a better runner, others will value the opportunity to volunteer in their community, and some really enjoy the social side of getting to know people in their local area. Some people will do as many activities as they can squeeze in, others might make time less often. It is an open, welcoming community where all of these people have a place.”
Personally, Frances has gained so many personal skills from GoodGym which have come to light in different parts of her life.
She explains: “My sister passed away recently. When the hospital bed was being delivered to her home, I knew exactly what kind of space it would need.” She adds: “When I moved into my new flat, I knew basic skills to get myself settled in.”
She credits GoodGym with helping her have the confidence to offer help to an older lady struggling to hold heavy bags in the street. Coincidentally, she later did a shopping mission for the same lady!
“I enjoy feeling part of an incredible team, the fitness benefits, the endorphins of helping others and the new places I have discovered, but one of the key things is the change it has brought in me. It is the confidence in my abilities as a person and as a runner.”