Florence and the racines

While America was nailing things down for the tropical storm, more locally in Islington, Al/Lex/Alex said no to the couch and yes to his first mission! We were joined by local hero Hannah and joined forces to give Flo's garden a makeover that left her speechless

Flo (not her real name), has deep roots in this fine borough: she's lived in her home for 44 years and previously around Tufnell Park. She was telling us how much Finsbury Park up the road had changed and that there was once an infamous "street" where I think people went for their vices.

After a bit of nostalgia we got to the task at hand. At the ripe young age of 90, our Flo simply can't keep up with the garden maintenance but she can see and enjoy it from her living room.

Our task today was to do a general tidy, remove the weedy interlopers and sweep up the fallen leaves and debris. Actually quite a straightforward task and nice inaugural one for our newbie. Nothing tricky for us and we were told everything must go; no need to decide what's a weed and what's to stay.

Warm and a tea cup

We were lucky enough to be offered cups of tea to give us that final boost to clear the last of the summer vines.

A clean sweep

As an experienced missioner, I know the beauty of sweeping up to make the transformation even more dramatic. Three teas drunk, two black bags full and one mission was complete.

We then reached tipping point

On the telly was Tipping Point and we had finished and showered with praise and delight.

Flo was so happy with the transformation she could barely speak. Making her day made our days; that's the funny thing about volunteering

Axel may have left goodgym, but there are still opportunities to learn un peu de français ! If you didn't know, racine means root!