Saturday 24th May
Find out about GoodGym TaskForce
Report written by Kash
For the main course of a 4-task Saturday, Kash (5ft 2 inch) left herself a hedge (100 ft long) to trim. And how high was it? Sky-high! It didn't look like a hedge anymore but like a very dense forest of thin trees. And all of that for herself as a solo GoodGymer? Well, not exactly. Kash found herself a worthy mission companion: Mrs M's son.
Mrs M was a 91-year-old lady with dementia. She lived with her son, Mr J, who struggled to divide his time between being his mum's carer, having a full-time job, and his mum's massive back garden to maintain. He would welcome any help with getting the front of the overgrown hedge back into shape.
"I know it's a five-man job... or a five-woman job!" - Mr J.
Despite not expecting miracles from a single GoodGymmer, Mr J equipped Kash the best he could: with good quality tools, eye protection and ice-cold water. He'd also join Kash for the full mission duration, and diligently raked and collected all the cuttings Kash trimmed. And there were plenty. When Mr J filled two green bins and three green waste bags, he started heaping the cuttings on a pile in the back garden. Kash did not take breaks which kept him busy and active.
"Now I know why it's called GoodGym! It's a good workout, isn't it!" - Mr J.
In less than two hours Kash cut the whole length of the hedge and Mr J scooped all the green waste. It was a mammoth job and both were proud and happy with the result. Mr J could not thank Kash enough.
"I would have never done that without you! That's an amazing job!" - Mr J.
Kash could not take the top of the hedge out - even the tallest GoodGymers wouldn't without a ladder. The important part was that the outcome was beneficial to the residents - now, they could walk on the pavement between the hedge and parked cars, without fear of the Predator hiding in the wilderness. Knowing the neighbours were safe, Kash decided it was time to run back home, totalling her distance to over 20 km that Saturday. Now, it must have been time for rest... until Sunday!
Sun 25th May at 6:47am
Great job
Ealing
Do good, get fit and have a cleaner borough