Rain, cold and hail stones could not keep the Fantastic 5 from dishing out some serious Girl Power (Tools) at GoodGym Brent.

While the rest of Brent hurried home in the rain, 5 brave GoodGym soldiers met at The Queensbury to sprinkle a little dose of goodness over Willesden High Road. Ellie, Laura, Claire, Gillian and Sadhana, paid no mind to the biting cold that had swept the borough. Inspired by the joyousness of London Marathon Sunday and despite the April showers, no grumbles could be heard, as the team set off towards the new task ahead!

Helping out the team at the Brent Carers Association there were jobs a plenty to get stuck into for this last session of April. Delighted to offer a helping hand to such a worthy cause, this fab organisation support Young Carers aged 8 – 18 and Adult Carers in the community too! Having just moved into their new offices on the high road, they were in need of help getting the place in order. Lists of building works to get stuck into and yes people.... there would be power tools!

Upon arrival the all girl gang were greeted by one more fantastic female warrior in the form of the manager of the centre - Anne-Marie, who wasted no time showing the girls the ropes. First things first the list was laid out: Clocks to be wall mounted, door stoppers drilled in and fire extinguisher brackets attached to walls with big nails........ "Is everyone proficient with power tools" Anne Marie asked.......... "Ummmmmmmmm Yes?!?!?" The team replied, however, the nervous nods and Laura's particularly flustered cheeks told a different story. Despite the lack of experience, the fab five grabbed hold of the challenge and excited to prove the teams worth, got royally stuck in!

Sadhana and Gillian took charge of the fire extinguisher brackets, with careful measurements and drill techniques, not before Sadhana had showed off her Brighton Marathon medal to the cheering group though!!! Her “super fans” on deck once more (Ellie, Claire and Laura) who had trekked to the coast not 2 weeks before, to cheer their girl on for her first ever 26.2 miles.

With team 1 on the extinguishers, team 2 began to tackle the rest of the list, Claire Wasting no time, got started on the Clocks and Laura, who’s attempt at fitting door stoppers started with an almighty drilled hole into the floor and a preceding look of horror up at Ellie….. Only a true friend could detect the sheer panic in the eyes, but never the less, she battled on and managed to…. Sort of half fit one…… Still, a brave first attempt LOL.

With clocks up, brackets fitted and a fair amount of Doing the robot dance to the sounds of the drill Please check out full instructional videos at www.facebook.com/goodgymbrent The team were done and dusted and ready to depart.

Once more into the cold the team fled, high tailing it back to the base, with talks of hot tea awaiting!! Into the warm and sanctuary of our favourite new home, The Queensbury didn’t disappoint with drinks and salty nuts galore!! Community vibes all the way til the end, the team were joined by Holly and Dan who relayed their stories of travels and lots of exam revision…. We miss them dearly but they’ll be back soon come the turn of May Hurrraaahhhh. Another corker of a night, a cracking crew and a GoodGym Brent full of more belly laughs than a truck full of hyenas dressed in Santa suits!!

Until next time Brent!!

Do Good. Feel Good. Inspire.