Jemma and Annette

Annette moved to London 14 years ago from Uganda. The move was a big decision for her as she didn’t have any family or friends in the UK. At the time she met Jemma she felt she had no one to talk to and was very depressed. She found their first meeting hard as she had been so isolated, but seeing a new face for the first time made her feel a little better. After a year and a half their weekly meetings have grown into a strong friendship. Annette says:

Having Jemma visit has changed my life. Before I met her I was so down and had no family or friends to talk to. Just knowing someone is coming every week makes a big difference. I always look forward to her visits. As soon as she comes in the whole house lights up.

She’s like a sister to me now. I teach her my language and tell her things about my country. She said I’ve taught her to care for people. I’m always encouraging her with her running; sometimes she jogs beside me when I go out in my wheelchair.

Jemma, 31, got involved with GoodGym after searching for volunteering opportunities in London that would fit in with her full time job and busy social life. Jemma says:

When I read about the Good Gym, I thought it was such a fantastic idea - something mutually beneficial, which gives both parties a sense of empowerment and fulfilment. I was also fairly recent to running, and it seemed the perfect opportunity to cement it into my lifestyle.

At the time, Jemma had recently completed a masters in Occupational Therapy and had a good understanding of how important meaningful activity is to maintaining health and wellbeing. Knowing that isolation and loneliness were growing issues in her community, Jemma wanted to be part of an initiative to tackle it.

The first time I met Annette .. it's hard to describe how I felt! I was definitely apprehensive, wondering if we'd get on or have anything in common. When she answered the door she had a huge, warm smile and was instantly so welcoming, I felt like I already knew her.

Over the months and now years we've become close friends. We talk nonstop from the moment I arrive at her flat to the moment I leave. At times it's difficult to see how hard life can be for Annette. She has complex health problems, and it can be difficult knowing how isolated she can be. I feel glad that we have built such trust and friendship that she feels able to talk about these things with me.

When asked what the best thing about being a coach runner is, Jemma said:

It sounds cliched but it's absolutely feeling like you are making a difference to someone's life. The friendship I have with Annette has enriched my life. To anyone thinking about getting involved with coach running I would say go for it. It's an amazing opportunity; make a new friend, help someone feel connected and less lonely, get yourself out there and enjoy it.