I volunteered with GoodGym at Queens Park Junior Parkrun. I helped as a marshal on the course, cheering on the children as they completed the run and helping to keep the event safe and encouraging for everyone taking part.

It was great to see so many young runners enjoying themselves and supporting each other throughout the event. Everything ran smoothly and all went well on the day.

Yesterday, GoodGym Brighton supported a community task at the Brighthelm Centre, a well-established community venue in the heart of Brighton that provides spaces for meetings, events, conferences, and community activity. The task was framed as a local “green clean action” session at Brighthelm Centre, together with other volunteers encouraged to bring gloves and turn up ready to help.

Led by Brighthelm Centre’s gardeners, we cleared weeds from the pavements, cut back encroaching greenery, litter-picked, and tidied the entire outdoor space. It was lovely to meet lead gardener John and work alongside him. We may have missed the window cleaning task, but I’m sure we’ll be back on another occasion.

Next, our Task Force met to plan future GoodGym sessions and support the GoodGym WorkOut for the Future campaign. A social gathering for our birthday in July was also on the agenda.

Happy GoodGym-ing!

When I have rang Mrs. K's doorbell, I found no one answer. I checked the map again to make sure the location and keep trying several times...Finally Mrs. K answered me. She said she was confused because her referrer told her GoodGym visit should be on Sunday instead. I understand her concern and worry, I show her the emails between mission control and me before she letting me in. It's easy to insert the extra battery to the wheelchair, however, only one cable connect to the motors. So, I read the user manual and the first sentence said "only one battery is used per time" & the 2nd battery is for backup in case the main one is drained during outing. Mrs. K said the dealer told her both batteries can be used at the same time that's why she willing to pay extra. Therefore, I suggested her to call the customer services and I keep checking out all the spare parts and cables provided from the packing. Then, I found a 3 heads cable which can connect both battery and to the motors. At the same time, Mrs. K received a installation video from the CS which is exactly the same I did. From now on, Mrs. K can move anywhere she want (including toilet she said 😉) during hospital visits instead seeking help.

Mrs. K said there are overgrowth tree branches which covering half of the car and it can't be used for long. So, I help to cut and remove those overgrowth branches before I left.

🌱🌻We had a lovely morning at Bevendean Downs parkrun with Rich and some prospective new GoodGymers! It was so rewarding to see the flowerbeds GoodGym helped dig looking great. After the run, we checked out the plant sale at The Bevy. Snagged some plants at the sale and brushed up on my recycling skills playing the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership game @harvestbrighton.

Dave is already looking forward to our next visit at The Bevy—he’s even promised to bake us eclairs! Now just counting down the days until then! ✨ 🤩 Who’s coming?

#GoodGym #Brighton #Parkrun

15 GoodGymers ran out to Valley View Gardens ready to get stuck into some gardening at the YMCA… but sometimes plans have other ideas. We’re pretty good at going with the flow (and the run).

First stop: a quick drop-off of rescued food from Olio—because sharing is caring and no good food should go to waste.

With our original task off the table, we didn’t leaf it there. Instead, we branched out to the nearby Round Hill Conservation Area. We were only there last week, but turns out the weeds didn’t take the hint. We tackled overgrown trees, gave the pavements a good de-weed, and helped make the area safer by clearing trip hazards.

Good to see familiar faces, Philippa and Michael, and returning, fair weather 🌞 GoodGymers, who keep powering our amazing Brighton Area with their Good will. Welcome back Amy and Cagdas.

Our donation of food, sandwiches and pastries, was a huge hit at the YMCA today. It was a tough day for many, expecially the residents and staff, and we’re happy we could help lift their spirits.

All in all, a tree-mendous effort from everyone—proof that even when plans change, GoodGymers always find a way to make a difference 🌱

We will be back here next week!

9 GoodGymmers walked, ran and cycled over to Round Hill to help the Round Hill Society keep the streets of the neighbourhood tidy. We welcomed local councillor Raf for his first mission as a GoodGym member and welcomed back 3 of our recent marathon runners (Rosie, Liam and double-champ "more marathons than a 1980s tuckshop" Ruth).

Upon arrival we got a quick pep talk from Dom and then went to pick-up brooms, shears and spades and set to work trimming back the hedges, cutting back bindweed and picking up litter. It was great to see the hedges still looking in a good condition after our visit last year and this time we didn't need to cut back anywhere near as much - although there was of course a healthy chunk of bindweed.

This mission was part of the Workout For The Future campaign recently launched by GoodGym to promote activities that help the environment, create a community connection and keep people healthy. Look out for more over the next few months! The task marked the 1 year anniversary of the creation of the Round Hill Community Pocket Park by the Society.

We made quick work of the topiary and after a snap with Dom we crept back home in the fading spring light.

*Report title must be sung to the tune of One Step Closer by Linkin Park