On a fine Spring morning, Aimee, Ellen and I convened at our meeting point ready for our mission. As we ran up...and up...and up again, we consoled ourselves that it would be downhill all the way home!

At the top of the hills, we reached Mr C’s house. He greeted us with a smile and welcomed us into his home. Mr C explained that he his wife of 54 years had recently passed away and he was hoping that we could lend a hand in the garden that they had both enjoyed over the years. Before we got to work, Mr C showed us some lovely photos of his wife and family, bringing back some happy memories.

Mr C showed us out into his beautiful garden, explaining that as the corner plot, he had the biggest garden in the area! Our first task was to empty the pots of the previous years’ plants so that Mr C could re-use them and plant new flowers ready for the summer. The pots would be spread all around to bring some colour to the garden. Our next task was to tackle the ivy! Mr C had made a great start at pulling this down from the walls but had been struggling to remove the roots. With a range of garden tools and all of our might and determination, we hauled up the roots, taking care not to disturb the worms and snails too much!

It was time for a break. Mr C had popped the kettle on and kindly made us coffee helped down with some ginger biscuits to replenish our energy. While we recharged our batteries, Mr C told us all about the wonderful holidays that he had been on with his wife. They had travelled widely, including a trip across America by train and a visit to an elephant orphanage!

Mr C showed us to our last task. Some time ago, a huge Horse Chestnut tree in the garden had fallen down. The dreaded ivy had grown all over the tree stump and Mr C was concerned that it might stop the heathers that had recently grown for the first time from flourishing. Armed with secateurs, Ellen began cutting away whilst Aimee and I lifted and pulled the ivy out until finally it was clear!

Our mission was complete! Mr C thanked us for our efforts, saying he’d been struck by how kind everyone had been since his bereavement. We explained that we’d really enjoyed getting to know Mr C and that GoodGym could come back if he wanted our help again. Mr C waved us off as we ran back down the hills with a spring in our step, agreeing that this had been a lovely way to spend a Sunday morning!

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