This morning I met up with Sam in Islington for Sam's first ever mission! Woot woot! 🎉😄🎉

Today's mission was for Mr R. Mr R used to really enjoy looking after his garden. However, after he was unable to tend to his garden due to illness, some brambles from a neighbouring garden grew into his space and it became too much for him to do. Age UK asked GoodGym if we could help cut back the brambles.

We were greeted at Mr R's by Mr R and one of his non-bramble neighbours, who welcomed us "to the jungle!" She wasn't far wrong, as the neighbouring brambles had really run rampant into Mr R's garden.

Luckily, we had Sam on our side, and she really went to town on them with a pair of shears. Unfortunately, brambles don't like being gone to town on, particularly by someone in shorts and t-shirt (probably a pride thing): They fought back with a vehemence that would inspire a Disney sports team. If Sam takes away nothing else from today, it will be that thick skin helps in GoodGym!

After 2.75 hours of work (including some refreshments from our hosts 😄), we had bagged up 12 sacks of green-waste, and had uncovered the bramble neighbour's fence, a couple of chairs, and a table, all previously hidden by the bramble patch.

We counted this as a success, and both Mr R and his neighbour were really happy with our work: Mr R will now be able to sit outside in peace and quiet for the last few days of sun we have this year (& on a conveniently placed chair 😎✌🏻)

It was lovely working with you, Sam: hope you had fun and that the bramble scratches heal quickly! 😅