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.

It was the yearly Age UK summer party, which celebrates the fantastic volunteers that help out week in and week out at the Hammersmith & Fulham branch. So GoodGym were out to help volunteer for the volunteers!

Peter from the charity helped settle us in. It was a slightly chaotic start to the evening, as the weather decided it didn’t want to play ball and the plan of a lovely drinks reception in the garden was thwarted by the British weather. Doesn’t rain for weeks and it decides to pour the day of the summer party, typical eh?

Despite the drizzle, we had a funny old time helping serve drinks to the guests. We then went from pouring Prosecco to plating up pilau, as it was time for food. The Age UK chef had cooked up a fabulous curry feast, with all the trimmings! The room smelt amazing, as Michelle ladled out lamb and Cookie dished out Dahl to the hungry volunteers.

Once everyone was served, we were able to sample the absolutely delicious culinary delights, which were second to naan. All the volunteers were well fed and watered tonight!

Although our tummies were bursting with Bhajis and full of food, we had to keep calm and curry on, as plates needed to be cleared and pudding prepped.

Lizzie made sure everyone still had a full glass, whilst we tidied the tables to the sound of the evening’s entertainment: Lucy was belting out Neil Diamond and Frank Sinatra… The professional singer also joined in, although he wasn’t able to do it whilst carrying a stack of washing up!

Dinner service complete, the empty platters were moved back to the kitchen, where they were washed up and Katie and Lucy helped dry the dishes, and put away the plates. The final task for the evening was pudding! Everyone got a table service serving of fruit salad, and Lizzie made sure those who wanted also got a drizzle of cream to go on top.

From a drizzle of cream to the drizzle outside, our evening was over as we cleared up and left the volunteers to enjoy the rest of their party!