On a beautiful autumnal Saturday morning, it was time for the Memory Walk 2026 in support of the Alzheimer’s Society. The walk took place in Bute Park with options to walk either 2km or 6km.

Joining a large group of volunteers, I was allocated to supporting the merchandise stall selling a range of items from dog bandanas (most popular item) to pin badges and everything in between! It certainly tested my mental arithmetic when people were buying multiple items!

There were some inspiring people on the day, including a lady with early onset dementia, those that had lost people to this cruel disease and their carers. People join this event as they’ve been personally impacted by Alzheimer’s and it’s always an emotional one - especially seeing the memories attached to the memory tree.

Along with several other volunteers, we sold a great deal of merchandise that contributed to such a good cause. The Cardiff event alone was estimated to raise around £90k for the Alzheimer’s Society with an overall target total across all memory walks of £2m.

The day passed by quickly and when the final walker was over the line, we packed away the leftover merch ready for the next Memory Walk.

An utterly rewarding, if emotional, walk in the park.

As Autumn approaches, 10 goodgymers take the opportunity for one last task before the need of running lamps.

Walkers and runners met at the Glassworks and took two different routes to the task. Whilst the cyclists met us directly there.

Tonight was a return to St. Paul's Church and community centre, to help finish the tidy and trim, with a little bit of painting thrown in for good measure.

The runners were the first to arrive, so they had pick of the tasks. Dylan, Darcey and Jonathan were our keen choppers, taking on the tasks of removing all growth from the in front of the railings.

Soon, joined by our cyclists and still 5 minutes early, Dylan and Rosie made their way over to clean up the sides of the building. Although completed 4 weeks previous, by goodgym, the recent rain had brought down a lot of moss and vegetation from the roofs.

Bang on time, the walking group arrived. Emma and Martin joined Michael to help cut down some of the cut bush even smaller to make more room in the green bin. Neda and Su went straight to painting....

Just like the Forth Bridge, the railings here seem to be a never ending painting job...... But we don't mind. Unusually, we managed to find a gate that we have never painted, so this was the focus for the painting team. Emma and Martin joined to increase numbers, and it became a task that we had to complete.

Highlights of the evening, Darcey giving tree vibes with her branches, Dylan and his blooper moment as he became the bush he was cutting (it fell on his head) and of course Jonathan and his pure joy of getting his flag photo that he thought we were only doing when he didn't attend.... As if we'd do that.

Tonight's tasks were all completed to the soundtracks from the new Zumba group in the hall, along with many whoops and yeahs. Who knew Zumba was still going strong?

We went over the allocated time slightly, finishing all tasks at 19:40, with just enough time for a photo (minus Rosie). Jonathan finally got his picture with the flag... Twice.