As I was already in Goodgym Camden territory, I had planned a 2nd mission. After a session at Mr J it was time for a bit of lunch then walk to Ms F which I have already been before. The sun had disappeared and gave place to dark skies and rain. Ms F intercom was not working properly but made it to her flat. Ms F had her list ready for me and we started speaking in French as she likes to practice as lived in France and does not have many opportunities to speak French. The list was double sided and with some items I had not purchased previously. But before doing anything, Ms F was a bit annoyed with her phone as couldn't see the new whatsapp messages and asked me if I could sort it out as she was communicating with family as a member passed away recently at the age of 100. It was sorted swiftly : her messages were set to "Favorites" instead of "All". She was happy to be able to see all her messages and not only the old ones from a few years ago. Then it was time for me to go shopping. As Sunday and the shops were closing soon, some of the shelves looked empty and I was not sure I would find everything for Ms F. I found all the products on the double sided page apart form one of the ready meals, which I rang to see if she wanted something else instead. Ms F said it is fine as I had all the other items so all good. Went back and intecom not working again but able to open the door and drop all the groceries. Ms F was grateful as usual and we had a chat as had some time and of course it was in French. Ms F said "Au revoir" and "A la prochaine" - see you soon

After Junior parkrun volunteering and a coffee with the crew, I set off running from Acton to GG Camden territory. I ran 11km to reach the flat of Mr J who needed help clearing in his lounge around his desk and sofa. Mr J mentioned that he was having issues bending down and getting back up so Goodgym visit was much appreciated. I decluttered with him around his desk, by the shelf and near the sofa. A lot of electronics, old bags(plastic and fabric), papers, empty boxes etc. After 90 minutes, I filled 7 bags and went to the basement to the bin storage room. Mr J was happy and it was clearer in the lounge. During the declutter and clear out, I found a brand new T-shirt from a British band in the 80's which I clearly can remember. Mr J has never worn it and totally forgot he went to see them at the O2 Academy Brixton. Yes it was the twin brothers Matt & Luke plus Craig a friend from Bros. They had a huge fan base in 1988 and Craig quit soon after but the brothers carried on and were very successful until they split but reunited which I think Mr J went to see in 2019 and got the T-Shirt.

7 GoodGymers dodged the rain – captured the leaves – and sewed the seeds!!

Six pm on Wednesday was a very wet six pm. It pelted and plummeted and we considered – for a fleeting moment – whether to cancel our evening!

But we very happily proceeded and three of us – Gemma (on their first good deed – welcome!!), John, and I – took a conversation-filled run through (a drying...) Camden Town, where (en route) Sarah called out and made our three into a merry four.

Arriving at Cecil Sharp House, we were met by Ana (also on their first good deed – welcome!!), Siobhan, Steve, and our host Susannah.

And we quickly got to it.

Ana, John, and Sarah demonstrated the quickest way to build a gazebo, before planting hundreds of seeds into fertile pots – I am looking forward to seeing what grows!

Meanwhile, Gemma, Siobhan, and Steve grabbed rakes, brooms, and gloves, and they turned a leaf-strewn garden into picture perfect site of lawn and path!

Thank you, everyone!! Here's to next time!!

I had the pleasure of meeting a nice gentleman and getting him some groceries.

The task was very simple to complete. Miss V showed me her boxes and bags of recycling and I made two trips to put them in the downstairs bins. I had seen another task listed for the same address so I asked if I could help with that as we had plenty of time to spare. Unfortunately the frame was not the right fit for Miss V’s toilet so we put the old one back. As Miss V is unable to put shoes on at the moment it’s very likely this mission will come up again - a super easy and quick one for an evening.

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) ❤️