Local charity, GoodGym combines fitness and getting into shape with benefiting the local community. Instead of running nowhere on treadmills or lifting weights in a gym that don't need lifting, GoodGym members meet weekly in Richmond to, quite simply, run to do good for those in need. The charity was set-up in Richmond less than a year ago, thanks to Richmond Council's Civic Pride Fund which awarded the charity £5k to set up.

Since then, this unique group of volunteer runners have helped to build community cohesion, promote fitness and reduce social isolation. Some GoodGymers ‘run’ to visit lonely and isolated residents in the Borough, others ‘run’ errands for those in need, then there are those that run as a group to tackle larger community tasks that many local charities and organisations struggle to do on their own. Mark Barun, Richmond GoodGym Run Trainer says “We started GoodGym Richmond in July last year and since then it’s grown in strength. People who come along to GoodGym feel a great sense of achievement from helping the community as well as the added bonus of getting fit; it’s a win-win!.”

You may have seen a glimpse of their red GoodGym shirts out-and-about across the borough, running to or from that week’s mission. Here is a snapshot of a few of these tasks and what they’ve achieved for the borough over recent weeks...

Thomson House Primary School in Mortlake has an outstanding Ofsted rating, but was in need of a little extra help. GoodGym’s task was to help caretaker Jeremy clean up the playground. In just thirty minutes, GoodGymers had the playground swept and litter free to help maintain the playground as a safe place to play. "GoodGym – thank you so much to the team of willing volunteers from GoodGym who, in the middle of running, stopped off at Thomson House Primary School last Monday evening and swept the playground, cleaned the windows and tidied the gardens. Can' t thank you and your team enough for the effort and work you put in. Look forward to having you all here again and hopefully with a little more light!” (GoodGym get out there in all weathers and never let dark cold wintery evenings deter them from achieving their good deeds.) Jeremy Light, Premises Manager.

The Vineyard Project in Richmond that clothes, feeds and supports some of the most vulnerable people in the borough, has been struggling to get enough underwear and socks donated recently. Whilst GoodGym’s volunteering has helped sort and tidy clothing or stuff Harvest Festival foodbank bags from local schools and churches, most recently GoodGymers clubbed together to run and drop off two bags of undies at their doors. “Well done Richmond runners. We wondered who the lovely donations came from! We started to hand out this morning and there were a number of very happy men to receive new items! Thank you so much for thinking of those in need.” Desiree Shepherd, Centre Manager.

Old Deer Park playground and tennis courts area is now certainly ready for spring. With head torches on and a ‘many hands make light work’ attitude, all the winter leaves and debris were cleared, tools put away and even a spontaneous circuit on the fantastic outdoor gym was achieved in no more than a 30 minute session. “Many thanks for your efforts last night. 350 young netballers (and their teachers) will be very appreciative of your work on Wednesday.” Chris Jones, Sports Development Manager for Richmond Council.

If you’ve never considered running before or lack motivation, GoodGym is a wonderful way to get started. Contact GoodGym to come along to try a session at www.goodgym.org Or if you’re a charity or local organisation who have task you need volunteers for, please contact the GoodGym Richmond Run Trainer at markb@goodgym.org.uk

Submitted by Jane Yelloly