Despite the grey skies and looming threat of rain, nothing could bring down the energy in Hammersmith on Saturday morning. GoodGym was proud to provide volunteer marshals for the West London Queer Project’s annual 10km walk, raising funds and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease, and bringing together communities together in solidarity, colour, and kindness.

As rainbow flags fluttered and everybody got ready for the off, we gathered for a quick briefing. We were assigned our marshalling points and quickly dispersed to get into position before the walkers set off. Our job: to cheer, guide, encourage, and ensure that every walker stayed on course and felt supported along the way.

The route was bursting with positivity—smiles, music, flags and a parade of brilliantly behaved dogs that added even more joy to the day. Rain or shine, the walkers powered on, and we were proud to be part of a movement that radiated acceptance, resilience, protest and celebration.

Once the final walkers had crossed the finish line, we regrouped and were each handed a well-earned medal. From there, it was off to a local pub, where the celebrations continued. We marked not only the amazing fundraising total but also a beautiful milestone: GoodGymers Johnny and Holly’s anniversary. The couple met at the inaugural walk three years ago, and they were rewarded with a shout out and a bottle of prosecco from Beary Poppins.

The entertainment carried on into the afternoon, with incredible drag queen performances, sing-alongs, and plenty of dancing. This mission was a reminder of why community events matter. They bring people together, raise awareness, and make space for everyone to be seen and celebrated. GoodGym was honoured to play a part.

crickewood clean and gleam ! ! We cleaned the sign? the starts and weeded the roadside

Samina, Tabitha and Pete met at Beer n Burger and jogged about 3km to the Abbey Community Centre where Jason told them what needed to be done in the garden. We met Beatriz there and Lee arrived soon after. The garden is lovely with great beds, a greenhouse and loads of pots around the edges. Pete and Beatriz were watering with hosepipe and watering cans.,later joined by Samina. Lee Tabitha and Samina were weeding. It was a nice evening and lots got done. We walked back and had a nice drink at Beer n Burger (and Lee had chips, naturally). Great job!

Tabitha , Chris , Beatriz , Nouri and Pete helped Jack from Seeds of growth shift around 1500 litres of soil into a raised bed We took it in turns filling barrows , walking them to the beds and shifting the soil .

This will help elderly residents be able to plant flowers this Spring .

There is plenty more to do so we will be coming back twice more: https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/goodgym-brent-moving-soil-into-raised-beds-for-elderly-residents-in-brent and https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/goodgym-brent-bank-holiday-soil-shifting-and-shaking