April 26, 2021
Featuring
Taskforce member Charlotte from Gateshead has been attending GoodGym Newcastle since April 2018.
Completing over 140 good deeds, the 29-year-old said it was “the perfect combination” of her love of running and helping others.
Here, Charlotte, tells us the ways GoodGym helps her:
CONFIDENCE. GoodGym has helped me to develop so much as a person. I’ve always been quiet and shy, but I’ve gained so much confidence. I’m part of the taskforce and love leading community missions and making sure that everyone feels involved and included. I’ll happily chat to anyone now and I’ve definitely made friends for life.
ACCEPTANCE. I have a rare condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta (also known as brittle bone disease). It means that I’m prone to fractures quite easily and have had over 50. You wouldn’t be able to guess that I have the condition. Right from the very start everyone at GoodGym Newcastle was so accepting and welcoming - all the sessions are so inclusive.
WELLBEING. GoodGym has definitely helped me mentally. It’s a bit cheesy but I call it “the GoodGym feeling.” That moment after a task, when you are covered in mud or paint and feel tired, but it doesn’t matter because you’ve made a huge difference together, met new people and you feel great.
CONSISTENCY. I work in the NHS as a Physiotherapy Assistant on critical care at the Freeman Hospital and I live by myself. The past year has felt stressful at times but I feel like the one positive thing that has been consistent is GoodGym. It’s definitely helped me get through at times, especially during lockdown.
RUNNING. Since joining GoodGym, I’ve really developed my passion and interest in running, mainly thanks to our inspiring Area Activator, Anji Andrews, who since day 1 has always encouraged me to keep going and keep trying. I’m a part of the GoodGym race team and I completed the Paris Marathon in April 2019. This was my first trip abroad by myself which shows how far I have come. I’ve just signed up for my 5th Marathon (Yorkshire) in October.