Welcome to Portsmouth GoodGym –  where you can get fit and make a big difference to your community

The premise of the movement is members run to the places where they are volunteering.

Not only does GoodGym have a huge positive impact on the lives of runners but also on the scores of people they help.

Having launched in May 2018 with two-year funding from Portsmouth City Council, GoodGym Portsmouth has already achieved a huge amount.

In just eight months there have been 41 group runs, 14 coach visits to spend time with a lonely or isolated older person, and four mission runs to help an older person with a one-off task like moving furniture, gardening or changing a lightbulb.

Eileen Whicker, 81, who lives in Southsea, is registered blind and thought there was no help out there for her – until she came across GoodGym that is.

The pensioner had two people run to help her with some gardening tasks in October – something she had been struggling with for a long time.

'They were absolutely magic,’ Eileen says.

‘They came in with their hands and hearts open and said "what can we do to help?"

‘They cut back the ivy and offered to pull up weeds. I was really touched. They didn't have to do that. I was really delighted with them.'

GoodGym also helps organisations. Manor Infant School and Nursery has reaped the rewards of the arrival of GoodGym in the city.

Headteacher Ashley Howard says: ‘The GoodGym team have been fantastic.

‘Their energy, commitment and collaboration to help our school is amazing.

‘They have been to our school three times now and have completed a range of tasks such as tidying our garden space, digging, weeding, clearing leaves, painting and tidying our PE cupboard.

‘I enjoy taking part in the group runs / tasks too. 

‘Being part of this group keeps you fit while doing good and you get to meet great people.

Another to benefit has been Hilsea Lido. Chairwoman Sabrina Richards saysd: ‘GoodGym has helped us with painting, gardening and watering the plants. Katie Carew-Robinson and the GoodGym runners are a wonderful addition to our team.

‘During one visit they planted shrubs that had been kindly donated by Spinnaker Waste and Mount Folly Nurseries. It’s amazing how quickly they made a difference.’

As well as helping numerous individuals and organisations, GoodGym has also had a huge positive affect on its runners.

Angela Chick, 33, runs with GoodGym Portsmouth and says: ‘I am self-employed and it can be a lonely business working from home all the time.

‘I started running and was looking to meet other runners.

‘When I found out about GoodGym it sounded perfect. Doing good deeds and getting fit while doing it has been great. It’s been brilliant for both mind and body – I got into running for my mental health more than anything else.

‘Coming together every week to see the friends I’ve made through GoodGym has become a highlight of my week.

‘The help we’ve provided around the community gives me a real boost as well. 

‘I can’t wait to do more good with GoodGym this year.’

GoodGym Portsmouth completed almost 500 good deeds by 87 individual runners in 2018, racking up 3,000 miles between them.

Community projects they've visited on group runs have included Naomi House, Hilsea Lido, Portsmouth Foodbank, PARCS (Portsmouth Abuse and Rape Counselling Service), Hope House Hostel, Buckland Community Centre and several schools.