Will and Ken

Ken, age 74, was referred by City & Hackney Carers in September 2014. Ken moved to London in 1962 from Jamaica. Ken's career was in mechanics and he worked for a motor company for 24 years. He has lived in Hackney for 27 years. Ken has family close by that he sees regularly though he lacks other social connections.

Will, 24, got involved with GoodGym in January 2014. Will was initially paired with a coach called Joan for 6 months, who sadly passed away after she suffered a stroke. After some thought, Will decided to start visiting another coach and was paired with Ken in September 2014. Will says:

I got involved with GoodGym as I liked the idea of volunteering in my local area while keeping fit: what a great thing to do! I have most enjoyed forming friendships with both of my coaches through GoodGym. I have enjoyed being part of their 'routine' and offering someone for them to talk to on a regular basis. The most challenging aspect has been getting there on a Saturday morning - we all know Fridays can be occasionally a busy evening!

Anyone thinking of giving it a go should speak to GoodGym and give it a go. GoodGym will ease and allay and fears; there really are people out there who would give anything for a regular chat. What have you got to lose, really?

Ken Says:

Will is a very nice young man. He always gives me a call mid week to see how I'm keeping. We have a laugh, he always has something useful to suggest. We talk about cricket, football and other things. Good old Will. My daughter says to me 'Oh is it slim jim again?' and I say 'It's not Slim Jim, It's GoodGym!