After a busy, rather hectic start to the day for both Mat and me, a couple of hours gardening in the midday sun was not exactly what we had in mind...already feeling the pressure of having to be in two places at once, knowing that time was short, and being hot and bothered, we were both slightly frazzled.

Arriving at our mission a little later than expected, and knowing that we each had plans afterwards only added to the stress.

But then the magic of GoodGym happened

We had been asked by Citizens Advice to help Mr E with some gardening tasks. Mr E needed the grass cut and weeds cleared in his back garden. We were met at the door by his daughter, Ann. Her smiling face and warm welcome made all of the cares and stresses of our day melt away.

Ann showed us to the garden, where Mr E met us and made sure we had all the tools and equipment that we needed.

Whilst Mat started on the weeding, pulling up and digging out, I cut the grass and strimmed around the edges. Mat was joined by a curious blackbird, who kept a watchful eye over the proceedings and hopped down for a root around every now and then. Just over an hour later, the job was done.

Mr E and Ann were very pleased with the result and said that the grandchildren would be too.

Both Mat and I left the mission feeling in much better spirits than when we had arrived, if a little more tired...and hot!

It never ceases to amaze me how good doing good makes you feel 😁

*spot the birdie