Originally broadcast on: http://radiosoapbox.com Radio Soapbox
Women's Hour broadcasts live every Sunday at 7:00p.m. uk time.
Good evening, ladies and perhaps a few gentlemen too. Welcome to the first episode of 'Women's Hour' on Radio Soapbox. I'm your host, Shelley Tasker. This show is dedicated to giving you ladies a chance to relax and unwind from your weekly chores. Tonight, we have two incredible guests. First, we speak with Hayley Gilbert, the founder of Camborne Children's Clothes Bank in Cornwall, UK. Hayley shares her inspiring journey of setting up the clothes bank, the challenges she faced, and the immense community support she receives. She talks about the various items they collect, from clothes to baby prams, and how they help families in need, including those escaping domestic violence. Hayley's dedication and the impact of her work are truly heartwarming.
Next, we chat with Abby Matthews, a single mum of three from Camborne, known for her energetic and joyful runs around town with her pushchair. Abby shares her passion for running, how it helps her mental health, and her desire to spread positivity. She talks about her routine, the reactions she gets from the community, and her aspirations to run the London Marathon. Abby's story is a testament to the power of staying active and spreading joy.
We also discuss the importance of community involvement, the challenges faced by those in need, and the simple yet powerful ways we can all contribute to making a difference. Tune in to hear these inspiring stories and more. If you have any life hacks, stories, or want to recommend someone for an interview, please get in touch at [email protected].
[00:00:52]
Unknown:
Good evening, ladies. And maybe there are few gentlemen listening too. Tonight is the first new show, ribbingzower. Great to have your company. I'm streaming from radio soapbox.com, and I'm your host, Shelley Tasker. So this show is gonna be dedicated each week. It's a chance for you ladies to kick back, have a glass of wine, have a rest from those chores, the ironing, the cooking, and the cleaning if you're a traditional lady. If not, so be it. Anyway, I have 2 great guests this evening. You may sound from my you may be able to hear from the sound of my voice. I'm a bit shaking. I'm a bit nervous. I don't know why tonight.
Something new. Anyway, I have the wonderful Hayley Gilbert on the line. Hayley is the founder of Cambourne Children's Close Bank, which is set up in Cambourne in Cornwall in the UK, and this has been running for quite a while now. And Hayley has won awards for this. She's she's a real inspiration and does a lot more about that. Good evening, Hayley, and welcome to the show. Hi. I know you're nervous as well. How are you, my lovely? Are you there? Oh, great. Yeah. Good. All good. Thank you. All good. Good. Yep. I'm here. You're here. And you're a full time mum, Hayley, aren't you, with, how many children? 5.
Five children.
[00:02:14] Unknown:
And you Yeah. And you Ranging from 11 to 20. Wow. Wow. You're busy.
[00:02:20] Unknown:
But Always. In this in your spare time, you are a real advocate for moms out there. Not only do you sort out the closed bank, you help people with housing difficulties and stuff like that. You're on the school PTA. He was on the school PTA. I personally don't know in the last couple of years how I would have managed without you because, quite often you tag me if there's something to remember. But, so tell us a bit about yourself and your venture into the Campbell and Children's Close Bank and how it came into action. Up at the other end of Cambourne,
[00:02:54] Unknown:
but, COVID kind of up at the other end of Cambourne but, COVID kind of killed it all off and she had some health problems, she no longer wanted to do it. We used to base ourselves at Cambourne Tesco, but they took away the room so it didn't kind of get set back up after COVID. I knew the need for it because I'd seen how many people attended pre COVID. So I contacted a few local churches to see if I could get any of them involved, and Cambourne Church were eager.
[00:03:29] Unknown:
Yeah. And it's a great place. It's massive, isn't it?
[00:03:32] Unknown:
Yeah. Big building. They give us the storage. We fill the whole church. Donations come in for everybody locally. Every day, we get donations. And, yeah, yeah, once a month, we hold the big event, and we have people from all over Cornwall that attend now.
[00:03:50] Unknown:
I know. And I've been once, and I helped you, and I filmed a little bit because I I could not believe the amount of stuff that you have, that whole church. You know, for those, it's basically all divided into, like, age categories, naught to 6 months, 6 to 12 months, 12 to 13 years, adult clothes, teenage clothes. I mean, it's not even just clothes, is it? It's accessories, baby prams, and stuff like that. Yeah. Whatever we get, really. Yeah, prams,
[00:04:18] Unknown:
bouncy chairs, travel cots, normal cots, a larger items we take up straight onto our Facebook page because they take up a lot of storage. Yeah. Everything. Anything you can think of. Towels, bedding, shoes, coats, toys.
[00:04:36] Unknown:
And most of it goes, doesn't it? Yes. Every month. Because when I helped you, I was like, oh my word. And, you know, you've got you're like Every month. Yeah. Every month, your little team of helpers, bless them, and you move stuff from one of the side buildings via Tesco trolleys into the main church.
[00:04:58] Unknown:
And it's like little work around.
[00:05:00] Unknown:
Yeah. Yeah. And everybody's busy getting involved. I loved it because I helped out one day in summer, and I took my son with me and, like, even he got involved for a while. But even, like pretty awesome. It is awesome, and it's a real sense of feeling that you're doing something good for people. And I just love the fact that everything's bagged up, up, and you've got these Tesco trolleys full. And it's Also, people don't always believe it until they've actually seen it. No. No. I was thinking you would give me unpacking all of that stuff, and most of it would go back. I mean, I didn't see I didn't stay till the end, but it's just full. And like you say, people come Yeah. From all over Cornwall. And, I mean, I suppose there is quite a bit of poverty, really, in Camborne, isn't there?
[00:05:43] Unknown:
Surprisingly. Yeah. I think we we underestimate the amount of it Yeah. Really, because we don't believe our and, like, people that we know or our neighbors could actually live in such poverty until you actually see them and they open their door. It's pretty eye opening.
[00:06:02] Unknown:
Yeah. I can imagine. And I love the fact it always stands out in my head, like, the little, like, bags full of pants and things like that. And we know with children how quick they grow, but one of those things, like, you're not allowed to sell on eBay and things like that is used pants and things like that, but they're all things that people need that they can't afford. Even a packet of pants is, like, £7 for 5 pairs of little pants. And you know what kids are like? And I love the fact that you just get you know, as long as it's not got holes in it or Yeah. Stained or anything. And people say, oh, I wouldn't want secondhand pants. Well, until you've been in that situation and you need new pants for all of your kids that fit and are clean, it doesn't matter if they're secondhand. Things wash up, don't they? Yep. Every month. All the pants, socks,
[00:06:44] Unknown:
bras, everything is gone.
[00:06:47] Unknown:
And do you get, like, you do seem to get I've been there before when you've got, like, almost an aisle, one on aisle. The back end of the church is just, like, full of things like car seats and prams.
[00:06:58] Unknown:
Yeah. Because we're not a registered charity, we're able to give these away. Oh, I see. So if we went down the charity route, then things would to be tested and Oh, yeah. Yeah. Certified or whatever. So we're steering clear as long as as long as we can.
[00:07:15] Unknown:
Yeah. And I mean, it's wonderful because these days, even if you go in a charity shop, the prices, they're not what I call charity shop prices. It's just a kick off.
[00:07:23] Unknown:
Well, the charity shop sometimes donates to us because they can't sell certain items, So they give them to us, and then we can give it away. Right. Right. But they're unable to give it away.
[00:07:36] Unknown:
Yeah. Of course. Of course. So yeah. So at the start of it because do you still do, like, refreshments in the backroom and stuff?
[00:07:45] Unknown:
From 3 o'clock on the day, the church put on a tea time. So that's the church. They do it every Tuesday. Alright. So it's not part of what you do? No. It just happens to tie in with what we do. Alright. Great stuff. So, yeah, it works out ideal.
[00:08:00] Unknown:
Yeah. Free pizza? Free pizza. Yeah. And, I mean, church is community. I've always said it. I used to always think when I wasn't, you know, not overly religious, but I see why people go. It's the involvement with local people and stuff. Yeah. I think it is being involved and being part of something, isn't it? It is. A lot of people haven't got many people, haven't got any family,
[00:08:20] Unknown:
so they all head there.
[00:08:21] Unknown:
Did did you expect it to take off like it has?
[00:08:25] Unknown:
Well, not as big as it is. No. It's crazy.
[00:08:29] Unknown:
And is Campbell the only one, or do they do it all, you know, different parts of the country as well?
[00:08:35] Unknown:
I think there are some further upline. We've got one there was one in Truro. I'm not even sure if that one's still running.
[00:08:44] Unknown:
Right.
[00:08:45] Unknown:
But I've I'm not sure anymore. I've seen some before on, like, Spotlight News. They have, like, baby bank and
[00:08:54] Unknown:
Yeah. It's just marvelous. I mean, I've never been there at the end. What's it like at the start? Actually, I've never even been there at the start. It takes us about
[00:09:03] Unknown:
3 3 and a half hours to pack to set it all up. Right. And then it takes us about a hour to pack it away.
[00:09:11] Unknown:
Just goes to show how much stuff
[00:09:13] Unknown:
goes. Yeah. Definitely.
[00:09:16] Unknown:
And I should imagine you're just a lifesaver for so many people. We, you know, I always see posts on that page as well that, you know, people are asking for things and haven't got the money, and I I just couldn't believe it when I saw prams and car seats and stuff. And Yeah. Some of it is in, like, immaculate condition.
[00:09:31] Unknown:
Yeah. Most of it. Yeah. A lot of, we also get contacted from, like, family services and stuff now.
[00:09:39] Unknown:
Alright.
[00:09:40] Unknown:
They're, they are, like, women trying to escape domestic violence, so they've just had to leave with nothing. So, like, one of their support workers will come along and meet me, and then we'll go and sort out whatever they need.
[00:09:55] Unknown:
Oh, you're just such a lovely person. Person. Yeah. I I just I love it. I love the whole feel of it. And, you know, I know Lisa as well. I've quite often popped around to Lisa's house with little bits, and her husband's been a bit like he says I can't stand living like this because the lounge is just piling up.
[00:10:12] Unknown:
I know. But we took a carload from my house yesterday and another carload today.
[00:10:19] Unknown:
Right.
[00:10:19] Unknown:
Yeah, it just fills up. My living room is not very big and, yeah, my family have kind of dealt with it now and got over it because that's just the way it is. How how can they complain at that? I know. Something to do. Yeah. It's tough.
[00:10:32] Unknown:
Yeah. Yeah. And you there's a team of you. Out the window. Yeah. Okay. There's a team of you, isn't there, that, like, has collection points?
[00:10:41] Unknown:
Because Yeah. There's 3 of us that take in the donations and then take them up to the room. If we didn't have the donations to our house, we would have to be at the storage room all the time. Yeah. Yeah. So it's either be at home with your family and then you can still do whatever or, yeah, be sat outside the church.
[00:11:01] Unknown:
And do your children, like, get first tabs? This is an awful question, but do they get first tabs, like, if nice games and stuff come in? I mean, you are doing a bit of work. Yeah. They do.
[00:11:11] Unknown:
They can save time and put it back. My kids are older now, so it's not as easy because, you know, they only like what they like. Yeah. Yeah. They only wear what they wear. Yeah. But, yeah. For my nephew, I usually he's only 3, so I often get him a few bits and but sometimes something comes in and you just think, oh my god. So and so would love that. Yeah. You know, they would appreciate that. It could just be some random person, and then I'm chasing them down at school saying, look. I think your kid would really love this.
[00:11:47] Unknown:
Quite awesome. Great stuff. Great stuff. And do do your children help with it as well?
[00:11:53] Unknown:
2 of them will,
[00:11:55] Unknown:
and 2 of them won't. Yeah. Right. Well, it's a good bit of work experience for them as well, really, isn't it? Seeing, like, how much people are in need, life experience, I suppose, and seeing how much they're able to, like, contribute and help.
[00:12:08] Unknown:
Yeah. My 16 year old, she she's quite useful. She'll, help me sort the clothes. And if I have to be at the storage room in the evening, then she'll usually come up with me because Cambon graveyard is not a very pleasant place.
[00:12:20] Unknown:
It's not, is it? Is there still,
[00:12:23] Unknown:
is there still homeless people living there? It's not as bad as it used to be. The homeless people have been, housed, ones that were actually in the church. Right. So we did help them as well
[00:12:35] Unknown:
with, like, the like sleeping bags and tents and stuff, didn't you? Yeah.
[00:12:39] Unknown:
It's hard because they they do need it. Of course they do. And they're still human. We was asked not to help them. Oh, how could you not? No. That's what I said. I said if he asked me for a blanket and I've got a blanket there, then he's having it. Absolutely.
[00:12:54] Unknown:
I I was shocked because it was the 2nd time I went round to find you at the back of a church. I think you were doing a toy sale this week where it wasn't a sale, but a toy giveaway. Yeah. And I hadn't walked behind the back of the church for a long time, and these tents all put up right outside the back of the church doors. Yeah. That just seems really ironic.
[00:13:12] Unknown:
Time, there was 5 5 tents out there.
[00:13:16] Unknown:
Yeah. Right outside the church doors. And I know I did say to somebody, well, can the church do something to kind of, like, help these people? But, apparently, they've had them in and things were stolen, and there's just no one to keep watch, so to speak.
[00:13:28] Unknown:
It's really hard because because the tents are set up there. They bring more unsavoury people to the area.
[00:13:35] Unknown:
Yeah. Yeah.
[00:13:36] Unknown:
So it's yeah. And I know I was chatting to 1 homeless guy that was staying in a tent, and, I got chatting to him outside Aldi. And every time I went into Aldi, I'd get him a coffee or something like that. But he was saying, you know, as much as they, like, kind of need to beg and stuff like that, if they're away from their tent, things get stolen from their tents and stuff. Yeah. It does. The kids, especially, they throw rocks at their tent and
[00:14:01] Unknown:
Oh, lovely. When man had his tent nicked. Oh, god. It's just shocking what some people have got to go through, isn't it? Yeah. And that's all they've got. Yeah. I think the guy you're talking about, he's now been rehomed. He's in Tuck Mill. He's got a flat. Good. Good. But I've got his I've got his phone number. That's all Nick.
[00:14:18] Unknown:
Yeah. Yeah. Bless him. I liked him, and I know he had a drinking problem. And, like you say, these people have got problems, but they they shouldn't be denied help, so to speak. But he he was he's a nice he's a nice guy. He's lovely. He's not. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So I wanted to take him into Witherspoon's one day. I said, come on. I'll take you in for a coffee, and we'll have a chat. And, he said, oh, I'm not allowed in Witherspoon's.
[00:14:40] Unknown:
They banned them from Wetherspoons Yeah. Because they because they smell.
[00:14:45] Unknown:
Oh, okay. He told me because I asked the manager in there one day. He said, well, it's because they beg. And I went, oh, right. Okay. But they're not in Wetherspoons begging. They go in there. They sit down.
[00:14:56] Unknown:
They you often, they want, like, an electric place to charge their mobile phones or whatever. Right. Right. That's what they're usually after.
[00:15:03] Unknown:
Yeah. I never thought about that. Oh, bless you. Yeah. But, oh, I'm glad Nick sorted out anyway. And all of them, to be fair, it's, no luck. When we've had that really freezing cold weather, and I've been chatting to him outside, I think, oh my god. There's a small part of me who thinks, could I bring you back? I think I just can't risk it. I don't really know him that well. No. I know. But I'm a bit of a sucker like that. You know, if there's a stray dog or something, I usually try and take it home. But Yeah. So I know. Awful. But you've won awards for this, haven't you, for your Yeah. I have,
[00:15:32] Unknown:
the radio Cornwall making a difference award. That was quite nice. Poshdu up at Cathedral. Lovely. It was quite sweet. And then we got invited to Westminster Abbey for the royal carol concert.
[00:15:46] Unknown:
Oh, wow.
[00:15:48] Unknown:
That was pretty cool. I've got brushing shoulders with the stars.
[00:15:53] Unknown:
Well, you are a star in Campbell, and I gotta be fair. And I mean love me. Little no. Not little of you at 2. My god. Little little person with the biggest heart. It's, yeah. I know you've got an amazing heart, and you deserve those awards. But, I mean, apart from that, do you still help people with housing and stuff? Because I know I spoke to you a bit about that a couple of years ago.
[00:16:14] Unknown:
Well, only like I only do if they got well, it's just people on Facebook, direct them or sometimes they give me their login details, and I will help them fill out the form, that sort of thing. Yeah. Yeah.
[00:16:36] Unknown:
Just just to help. God. Have you actually got any time to be a mum?
[00:16:41] Unknown:
Yes. I don't. That's why I go away some weekends.
[00:16:45] Unknown:
Yeah. You do have a good social life. I do see it pop up, and, yeah, you bloody deserve it. Definitely. Well, I mean so that this is the 1st Tuesday of every month.
[00:16:56] Unknown:
Yep. And everyone and anyone is welcome, and they're welcome to take whatever they want. As much as they want. There's no limit.
[00:17:06] Unknown:
Is it a bit like some of the car boot sales when you open the door? You know, like, I've been at car boot sales. They blow a whistle when everybody runs in
[00:17:14] Unknown:
Oh, yeah. Right. We we have to shut the door, so I open the door at 2 o'clock. And so the tower door, you know, the entrance to the church where you walk in if you was getting married?
[00:17:23] Unknown:
Yes.
[00:17:24] Unknown:
So that's the door that we let them all in, and they will be queued up to Wetherspoons most months. Wow. Wow. 1 month, they were queued up around to the entrance of the hotel. It was crazy.
[00:17:38] Unknown:
Oh, no. It's amazing. And I mean, like, when I was there before and I saw, like, the shoe selection, and I'm like, wow. Yeah. It's just, yeah. I've got stuff here for you as well. I must You tried to explain
[00:17:51] Unknown:
it to people, but until they've seen it, they don't really get it. No. No. I didn't. And I think in when they come and they see, like, all the different types of people that come, then they're a bit more relaxed about it. Yeah. Because they seem to think that it's only for a certain type of person. And then you come there and you see who's there, and you're like, yeah.
[00:18:09] Unknown:
Okay. It's a bit of a catch up as well, isn't it? I went once Yeah. Because I was, like, in and I thought, oh, I'll nip over. And, yeah, and I just saw loads of people that I went to school with and stuff like that. It was a bit of a social, actually. But but it was last summer that I was gonna drop stuff off, and Lisa said, oh, just drop it around to the church. And I got there, and it was like, do you wanna help for an hour? I was like, yeah. Go on. I will. And I really enjoyed it. And then, like, Lisa said, do you think you could help every month? I said, if it wasn't working, I really would because it's such a worthy cause, and it's just lovely to feel that you're giving back something.
[00:18:44] Unknown:
And at the minute, we've got, like there's lots of foreign people that come. Right. Sometimes their English is really bad. So usually, like, between our mobile phones, we can work out what each other is trying to say. Yeah. Yeah. So they might be after a baby bath or something, so they kind of Google it and then I get on my phone and then I Google it and then show them my address on the phone on the map so that they know where to come and collect it, that sort of thing. Alright. Okay. Yeah. Yeah.
[00:19:14] Unknown:
So yeah. Oh, that's great stuff.
[00:19:16] Unknown:
People from everywhere.
[00:19:19] Unknown:
Everywhere and everywhere. Of these,
[00:19:21] Unknown:
African ladies, isn't it? African families have been moved into Cambourne on the promise of these jobs and everything, and they've got here, and there's it's not what they've been promised. Really? Yes. It's major. About that. Yeah. Okay. So what sort of work have they been promised and stuff? I mean Well, I think, like, care work, that sort of thing. They think they're coming here for this better life and they're gonna have this job and this amazing house. And then I've got one lady that comes and she's renting a house in Canborne, so near Red Jackets, and her rent for a 3 bedroom property there is £1600 a month.
Oh my gosh. They are being exploited left, right, and center. And, I mean, I know they probably qualify for housing benefit and stuff, but but they only pay a percentage of that now, don't they? Yeah. I don't know how how if they can claim that, like, straight away when once they've moved to this country. I don't know how that I don't know how that would work.
[00:20:21] Unknown:
No. No. Wow. 1400 6 did you say 14? 16. No. £1600
[00:20:27] Unknown:
a month. God. She said so and
[00:20:30] Unknown:
her husband works full time. She works part time, and most of their money goes straight on their rent. Yeah. Yeah. Oh, it's disgusting. It is really disgusting, and I think, actually, it's gonna get a whole lot worse, to be fair. Yeah. You know, what bills I always say to people, what bill are you gonna stop paying first?
[00:20:48] Unknown:
But I don't know. Thankfully Exactly. And then with the closed bank, at least they can just come and get clothes and toys. We have some people that come and get they're like, what toys have you got in because it's my little boy's birthday or Yeah. So they've come in to do that, which then frees up the money to pay another bill, doesn't it? Absolutely.
[00:21:06] Unknown:
Absolutely. And, oh, god. It's it's wonderful. I love it. And what about are you still helping out on the school PTA?
[00:21:15] Unknown:
Well, it's not a PTA. It's me and a Facebook page.
[00:21:19] Unknown:
But we rely on you for updates and stuff, and I, you know, I don't know how you get the time to do that.
[00:21:25] Unknown:
I don't know. I don't I do not know, honestly. So do you do just do it? Yeah.
[00:21:32] Unknown:
But, I mean, I know when we've talked before, you're an early riser, aren't you? You go to bed early, and you're up early. Right. So perhaps you're a bit more motivated than others. It's probably getting on to near your bedtime, isn't it, actually?
[00:21:44] Unknown:
9 o'clock.
[00:21:45] Unknown:
9 o'clock. And what time are you up in the morning?
[00:21:48] Unknown:
Well, about between 5 and 6 every day.
[00:21:55] Unknown:
Every day. Get up. Get on with it, ain't it? It is. Go out. It is. Yeah. Yeah. If only you did get paid, but I think you'll get paid in kindness for for your actions, definitely. I haven't got time to get a job. No. But but these people like you, game changers, real game changers.
[00:22:11] Unknown:
And then I've just got involved as well with, Devon and Cornwall Food Action. Oh, what's that? It's quite cool. It's a charity it's a charity and it's based up in Plymouth, and they bring down, like, big food trucks so people can you have to book it now. It's £25 donation. Right. But you they get so much food for their £25. So they get like a bag of cupboard stuff, a bag of freezer stuff, a bag of fruit, a bag of veg, a box of pies, a bag of toiletries, there's some baby items that they can pick through. There's like nappies, baby food, that sort of thing.
Right. And for £25, so you most probably get about 5 bags for life.
[00:22:57] Unknown:
Oh, okay. So how how is that managed then? Is that just, like, food that the supermarkets
[00:23:03] Unknown:
Yeah. I think it's, like, surplus food. You know? So they, I haven't actually been up there to their warehouse in Plymouth, but I have seen the video of the setup and everything. So they have, like, big chillers, big freezers, so they're able to take it and freeze it Wow. And then redistribute it. So they got they kinda they go to Cambourne, Haile, St Ives, They've just started 1 in Red Roof. They're looking at, trying to find a venue in Truro, and they do other stuff like the Plymouth side of stuff as well. Right. And is there a criteria you need to be in to, like, collect all of these? Right. Okay. So not skin like So, yeah, it's open to everybody, but everybody's gotta make their £25 donation. Yeah. Yeah. Well, that's fair enough. So some people question the 20 5 pound donation because they're like, well, the food's free blah blah blah, but not all of it is. And they Where does that? Run the warehouse. Alright. They have to they've got, like, the big Tesco, like, chiller vans, freezer vans Okay. That they use for their home delivery. They've got some of those, which they have to bring down.
Yeah. I was gonna say, where does the 25 pound go to? But, obviously, yeah, it's not just as simple as some bagging up some code, is it? Because I questioned it all as well because people were asking me about it, and I didn't have the answers. So I thought, right, £25. Let's go and see. Let's go and see what it's about.
[00:24:27] Unknown:
And lo and behold, you're now part of that. Yeah. So if anybody else is looking for an extra pair of hands, Hayley is your lady.
[00:24:35] Unknown:
I haven't got any more time. I've I've only got a Sunday spare, and that's my day to catch up on everything that I haven't done all week.
[00:24:45] Unknown:
Oh, brilliant stuff. Well, have you got anything you would like to add, my lovely, before we, come to a close? It's been lovely talking to you, and I just think people like you, you're a true inspiration. And, when when I had the idea of doing this show, it's like I need to talk to people like you that make a real difference to people's lives.
[00:25:03] Unknown:
Oh, thank you.
[00:25:04] Unknown:
I think you know how much people love you. You you're you're a good one, we should say, but I know I was gonna is there anything that you won't accept? No.
[00:25:14] Unknown:
Not really.
[00:25:15] Unknown:
Okey dokey. So have you got any final words, my lovely?
[00:25:20] Unknown:
No. Just the Children's Close Bank is the 1st Tuesday of the month, 2 till 4 PM in the church, opposite Aldi. Everyone's welcome. Come along and have a look. Great stuff. And If anybody wants to help volunteer, pop me a message on Facebook, and we can sort something out.
[00:25:37] Unknown:
Yeah. I I would advise anybody to do that that's got a spare few hours because it's sociable, it's lovely people, and it's lovely. Just just a lovely buzz. Yeah. So, people, if they would need to find you, Hayley, they can find you on Facebook, can't they?
[00:25:51] Unknown:
Yep. Hayley Gilbert. We've got our Facebook page, Cambourne Children's Clothes Bank or Hayley Gilbert. Hayley Gilbert Gilbert. Sorry.
[00:25:58] Unknown:
Brilliant. Well, thank you for spending your time on your Sunday and, being my first guest. Okay. It really means a lot. Alright, my lovely. Well, we'll catch up soon, no doubt, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your day. Alright. Cheers. Take care, darling. Bye. Bye bye. Bye. I wonder if these people actually do realize how you know, what an impact they do have on other people's lives. I mean, Hayley, like I've said, school PTA, she's not even part of the PTA, actually. She just does it, well, for fun to help people. So, yeah, any questions or if you'd like to help, do get in touch with Hayley a few hours of your time each week. Well, each month, even collecting them, being a port for collecting the clothes and stuff. I mean, poor thing. You know, living room, full chock block. And I mean it. I've seen the other ladies lounge, and I couldn't stand living in all of that stuff.
Anyway, moving onwards. Right. I wanted to give a shout out tonight to I've never met this lady. She is called Nancy, and she is the mom of my dear friend, Patrick, who is situated over in the States. He also runs a radio show, Radio Windmill. I think I've said that right. Anyway, hello, Nancy. I hear that you're a a real listener to the new channel, and I just wanted to say hi. Apparently, she listens to a lot of shows, and she gives a lot of good feedback when things go right or wrong. So big hello to her. Anybody else out there, if there's any women out there that you think deserve an interview, I'm sure there's loads. I mean, I know so many women that do marvelous things.
It'd be lovely to get in touch and have a chat, share your story. Right. Moving onwards. So I, I wanted to do a couple of different things with this show. It's still like, still in progress, and I have spent hours. You would believe this little short audio clip I've got for you in a second, it literally took me 2 hours to put together last night because I'm learning software at the same time, how to add audio on and stuff like that. But I put out on my Facebook page last week. I was asking women for life hacks, all of that, any wondrous life hacks that saves them time, saves them money, blah blah blah.
I had quite a few responses, and I messaged them back saying, would you mind giving me that, your little life hack as a voice note? I thought it'd be nice to bring on some other voices. Well, nobody really got back to me because I don't think people like the idea of, perhaps their voice. Somebody said, oh, you could just read it out, but I might create an AI voice. But I urge you, if you've got any life hacks and you would like to share it on this show, just say your name, send me a voice note, and I'll try and play on the next show. But this lady, bless her, is someone I know called Louise.
She sent me her few life hacks. So if I can play the right audio, will it work? So far, everything is going to plan, but we still have 32 minutes left for it to go badly wrong. Anyway, this will be let's see. Is it gonna play? Background music is there. Right. So, yeah, any life hacks. And you can email me if you'd like to get in touch to recommend a woman for an interview or a life hack or even a shout out to somebody special. My email address is [email protected]. Let's try and bring a bit of interaction in over the weeks. It'd be great to hear some Louise's life hacks.
[00:29:34] Unknown:
Sage, rosemary, and clove tea for natural hair dye. This darkens gray stroke blonde hair to dark blonde. Clean your teeth with bicarb soda and rinse with Celtic salt solution morning night. Walk for half an hour in fresh air every day. Don't open potentially worrying emails or post after 2 o'clock. Don't drink tea or coffee after 4 o'clock. Eat a banana before bed or a bit of porridge. Alternatively, have a hot shower. All of these will help you sleep. Vitamin d 3 and k 2, vitamin c, zinc, magnesium, yeast flakes, and spirulina. If you take these every day, this will cover all your main minerals and vitamins requirements.
Don't take cheap synthetic iron supplements if you have if you're anemic and you're low in iron. Iron bisglycinate is a much better alternative. For smooth shining skin, plump soft skin, Take tremella mushroom capsules.
[00:31:07] Unknown:
Oh, and it stopped. That must be the end. Right. I will take onboard some of that. I need to make note of all of those vitamins and minerals. Certainly need to get my skin soft and plump. I do like the one about the emails. Don't open emails after, like, 4 o'clock on a Friday. And you always get the worst kind then, don't you, when you've got, like, an hour to reply. Anyway, moving on. I'm gonna get in touch now with Abby Matthews. She also lives in Camborne. You don't have to be from Camborne to be on the show or Cornwall. Just a woman. Okay?
So I'm gonna call Abby now, and Abby is another legend in her own right. Let's just find her details and hope that she picks
[00:31:59] Unknown:
up. Okay.
[00:32:07] Unknown:
Good evening, lovely. Can you hear me? Yes. I can. Yes. How are you, my lovely?
[00:32:15] Unknown:
I'm good. Thank you. Yeah. Are you nervous?
[00:32:17] Unknown:
A little bit. Oh, bless you. Don't be nervous. Right. So everybody listening, Abby Matthews, Cornish girl. I think you're Cornish, aren't you, Abby? Yes. You sound Cornish. I know when we chatted the other night, we've got that tang of an accent, a bit like Hayley. And, so introducing Abby, I came across Abby a few weeks ago. When I drive my car through Tuckamil in Campbell, I've seen Abby at the top of the traffic lights with her push chair and her baby in it, and she's in all of her jogging gear, and she's doing star jumps, and she's singing, and it's just an amazing sight to watch. And I came home, and I was like, oh my god. Who is that woman?
And I put it on Facebook, and everybody's like, this is Abby Matthews. She does this. She does that. And I was like, these are the people we need to speak to because, we all need to know an Abby, I think. So tell us a little bit. You're you're a single mom, Abby, aren't you? Three children? Yes. I am. Yes. Yeah. So when did you first start getting into jogging?
[00:33:19] Unknown:
Well, I started when I was a teenager, and then I've continued since. And, obviously, I have my first daughter, which was Ariana, and I still carried on. It was quite hard near the end, obviously, with the bump. But I still carried on. And then after Ariana, and then I had Miles, and I was still training 3 miles. And then I was pushing 2 of them together, so I had a double push
[00:33:45] Unknown:
there. I would like to do that.
[00:33:49] Unknown:
And then, obviously, after miles, I had a layer, and I've done 2 half marathons, which was one was in Cardiff, and I raised quite a bit of money for Cancer Macmillan, I think. And then I did one in Cardiff, but that was just I didn't raise any money. I was just doing that for a little bit of fun. Right. So, yeah. And I just I find it so addictive. And everyone that has seen me or spoke to me has said to me, you're crazy. How do you find the motivation? And I just I don't know. I just find it so addictive.
[00:34:29] Unknown:
No. I'm I'm envious of your, energy, and I don't think you realize how many people they see you and they're like, wow. She has cheered me up. She has made my day to the point now that, like, when I drive him through Tuck in Mill, I think, oh, I wonder if Abby's gonna be out running. You've built built up a bit of a profile around here from from it, haven't you?
[00:34:51] Unknown:
Yeah. I mean, I started off just doing it just normal. I was just getting the odd few beeps. Now, obviously, everyone is waving and shouting. I'm like, oh, hi.
[00:35:02] Unknown:
Yeah, it's Dick, was it your intention to, like, cheer people up and be a bit mad with it, or did or was that just you in general? Would you just, like, run around smiling, singing, and dancing with a pushchair?
[00:35:14] Unknown:
I think it was more I was starting to dance really mainly because for the children, and they obviously found it a bit funny. And then I thought, well and then when people were messaging me, I had loads of messages saying, you've you really make me smile, or I love your dancing. And, obviously, then they say, keep it up. And I thought, that such, he made me feel quite good myself. I love to see someone smile, because I know a lot of people go through a lot of hard times, and I've been through hard times, and I know mentally lots of people have mental thing going on. So I thought, well, if I can make someone just smile just for a second, it might make them make their day, or just maybe half an hour, or just a minute of their day. It's just something I enjoy doing, just making people smile and
[00:36:04] Unknown:
Well, we do certainly do that. I mean, I was just literally buzzing a couple of weeks ago when I saw you, and I was like and when I found you on Facebook, I was like, yay. I need to speak to this lady. So, I mean, like, you go run into your hair appointments and everything, don't you, with your pushchair and toe and your headphones on?
[00:36:22] Unknown:
Oh, yeah. Oh, that's to my nail appointment. Alright.
[00:36:26] Unknown:
Are you not, like, arriving and just, like, half dead and full of sweat?
[00:36:31] Unknown:
Yeah. She's the the lady that does my nails says, oh, you're crazy, Abby. Especially when it's raining, and I'm like, oh, sorry.
[00:36:40] Unknown:
Well, at least you do. So how many times a week are you running then?
[00:36:44] Unknown:
Oh, I'm doing it every day. I mean, I started off doing 2.50 miles. This was before I was pregnant and all. And then I built up I was doing 10 miles every day. And then, obviously, I had the children. So I've cut back to 5 k to 5 k, which is 3 point something miles. So that's not too bad. And I just enjoy it, especially if it's been a bit of a hectic day, which it can be with 3 children as I'm sure a lot of people will agree. So
[00:37:14] Unknown:
And that's, like, the only reason you do it with a pushchair, I suppose, isn't it? Because you can't you know? Even now I try to go to the gym and squeezing it in with a a young one is is hard, but you can take the push chair with you.
[00:37:27] Unknown:
Yeah. And she does love it. I think she she just I think she just loves that movement and obviously the wind, and then she sees me dancing a bit silly, and she finds it funny, I think. Bless her.
[00:37:40] Unknown:
Do do you do the same route every day, Abby?
[00:37:44] Unknown:
Yes. But then sometimes I do change it up because I like to just see if I can better my time somewhere else. Oh, that's great. Yeah. Change routes to see if and then I change different times as well just to see if one time's a little bit better or something. And sometimes I can have a good good time, and other times I might think, oh, that wasn't so good. But I think, well, that's not too I'm not gonna be too hard on myself, because I think well, I've I've got out there, and I'm still going for it. And I can always improve it next the next day.
[00:38:20] Unknown:
Yeah. And, I mean, even if you went out and you couldn't run, you just had enough and you walked. At least you got the hell out there, and you did something.
[00:38:29] Unknown:
Oh, yeah. I think eve I think even dancing as well because I think that that's still moving and still getting out getting out there and
[00:38:39] Unknown:
Yeah. I had a friend once, and, you know, she wasn't massively overweight or anything. But when I saw her after, like, 2 months, I couldn't believe how much weight she had lost. And she said, I've just started dancing, Shelley. She said, if I do the housework, I dance constantly. And I'm like, wow. And, yeah, I should make note of that.
[00:38:58] Unknown:
I mean, I'm I'm either out walking as well, and I do some dog walking as well. And I do some I after a run, I'll sometimes do, like, a little 15, 10 minute workout after I've after I've done a run. And everyone's like, that's crazy. Where do you find the energy? I just push and push. I mean, I think sometimes I push my body too much sometimes because I've had the odd shin splints and all, and they have hurt. But,
[00:39:25] Unknown:
yeah, I've I do recover. You how old are you, Abby? If you don't mind me asking. You can say Oh, I'm I'm 26. Yeah. You're a baby. You're the same age as my daughter. Yeah. You're a baby. And it's funny because I know, like, my daughter, she's up at crazy times going to the gym and stuff like that. I met her at the gym 6 o'clock one day this week only because I had to be up to take my son to a school trip, and I surprised her at the gym. But she just sat on a regular basis. But then I think, well, you are, you know, 20 years younger than me.
[00:39:55] Unknown:
And I know Yeah. Lots of lots of people do say that to me. Oh, you are still young. You've got lots of energy.
[00:40:01] Unknown:
Yeah. Well, I'd like to think I'd still see you, like, in 20 years' time, but perhaps it'll be pushing your grandchildren, taking them out running. I don't say that just yet. I'm I'm too young. Long way to go. Yeah. Yeah. Just enjoy, enjoy your running and your time. Do do you have any aims for, like, future marathons and stuff?
[00:40:24] Unknown:
Well, I have applied for the London marathon. I'm and I know it's quite it's hard to get in. It's one of those it's like they do so. It's like a little lottery thing, you get it's picked random. So I have applied, and I'm just waiting back to hear from them. I I think that's coming up soon. I've I'll I will know
[00:40:44] Unknown:
if I get in or not. Cross because you you have to run for a charity or something, don't you? Yes. Yes. You do. Yes. So what was your choice of charity?
[00:40:56] Unknown:
Cancer Research. Alright. Okay.
[00:40:58] Unknown:
Wow. Yeah. I see. I only found that out this year. I thought anybody could apply to do the marathon. I didn't realize you know, you've got to pay you to do it as well, haven't you? Yes. Yeah. Oh, wow. Fingers crossed for you, and we might see you out, on the marathon. And I think might have to start doing extra miles around around camp or on a pool retreat or somewhere. Because it is it 24 or 26 miles of London marathon? 26. 26. Right. And, I mean, I know we've got listeners that are, like, in America and stuff like that. So the London marathon, I mean, I'm not sure if people have heard heard about it over there, but, yeah, big thing every month, and, it's nice when that time of year comes and you see people's Facebook feeds and pop up and stuff they've achieved it.
Yeah. Envious. I am envious. Yeah. I'm just I'm a bit lazy when it comes out to, you know, working out and stuff. I have just joined the gym, but trying to find time, it's, and this is, you know, you're doing it. That's the way to do it. And, I, you know, perhaps I'm being a little bit I I could make more of an effort, but you're in that zone. You make yourself go even if you don't want to go.
[00:42:08] Unknown:
Yeah. I mean, don't get me wrong. There there are times where I think I really don't wanna go, and I have to push myself. But I think, no. Go. Do it. Because I I will feel quite rubbish in myself if I don't go.
[00:42:24] Unknown:
Yeah. I it's something I never really understood that people say, like, oh, you go out for a run and you feel amazing after. I don't I don't get that buzz.
[00:42:33] Unknown:
Oh, yeah. I do. As soon as I've come back, my mood is if I've if I've been a bit grumpy or a bit moody, as soon as I've gone out and I've come back, I'm like a different like, it's I'm well. I'm happy now. I'm ready for the for the evening. And
[00:42:47] Unknown:
You're in the evening sometimes. Yeah. Yeah. And what do your kiddies think about this? Do they look like realize that you're a bit of a local celebrity?
[00:42:56] Unknown:
Oh, no. I think they're a little bit young. But I when when we get the odd beeps, my son will say, mommy, who's that? Who's that? It's quite funny.
[00:43:06] Unknown:
Yeah. Oh, just some random person. Yeah. You do need to get a T shirt or something, Abby, that says your name on it and stuff so people can look you up and follow you and beep for Abby. God. Yeah. I was thinking that you could potentially cause a car crash by those traffic lights. People be too busy watching you, and they won't move when it hits green. But
[00:43:27] Unknown:
Yeah. Well, people have let me cross over when it's green, and I think the other cars behind get a little bit grumpy.
[00:43:34] Unknown:
They just wanna watch you go. They don't wanna miss you. No. It's it's wonderful seeing your energy. And I mean, I know I've been following you now for, what, a couple of weeks on Facebook and stuff, and I gather that you get a few negative comments and a bit of hate as well.
[00:43:49] Unknown:
Yeah. Sometimes. But I just
[00:43:52] Unknown:
Where do you think that comes from?
[00:43:55] Unknown:
I think, like someone said to me, a lot of people don't like people being happy. I think or achieving goals. I think that's the trouble. If they're not happy with their life, they wanna bring someone else someone else down. Yeah. So that's why I don't reply back to the negative comments. I know some of the people that comment will will reply, and I'm all for that. But I just ignore it because I think they look silly if I don't respond. And if sometimes no response is better in my opinion, then just starting causing arguments and fighting because I'm all for positivity. I know I'm not gonna be everyone's cup of tea, and I am a little bit probably crazy to a lot of people. But I'm just me, and I'm just trying to spread some happiness to a lot of people and my children.
[00:44:46] Unknown:
Yeah. And it's great because I think a lot of us are quite scared of being ourselves. It's like, who who do you think you are to put yourself out there in the limelight, so to speak? You know, when I when I started doing radio and even this show, but I'm I'm a bit beyond that now. I advertised this show at the start of the week, and it's like, I can imagine a few haters out there. Who does she think she is? Blah blah blah. I think I'm doing what I enjoy. I'm doing what I wanna do, and I don't care. I don't know nothing about you. Do you know what I mean? There's just always that negative side out there.
[00:45:15] Unknown:
Yeah. I think just go for it, and I just wanna teach my children just to do things fun and hopefully to stay out of trouble. Just I don't want them to follow the negative path. I want them to look at mum and be proud and hopefully follow my footsteps.
[00:45:32] Unknown:
Oh, I'm sure they will be. And I mean, look at looking at your pages. So if you get out and about, you do a lot of stuff with them. And 3 children, I mean, how old are they, Abby?
[00:45:41] Unknown:
One's one and a half, one is 6, and one is 3, but soon to be 4. Right. So you certainly got your work cut out. Yeah. I sure do. Lots of people do say to me, you've got your hands full. I said, yeah. I sure do, but I wouldn't change it for the world. They keep me active as well,
[00:46:01] Unknown:
and it's nice. Yeah. And I think the thing is it's just because us older people as well. You know? The thought of looking after 3 children. I mean, I had my son, my grandson, and my granddaughter a couple of weeks ago. And, I mean, it was bearable. It was okay, but it's just you get used to having more time. But, again, you're young. Your time is now with them, and in 20 years' time, you'll be like that. Oh, I couldn't look after 3
[00:46:22] Unknown:
children. I think you just Well, I I used to work I used to work in a nursery, so I'm used to children.
[00:46:28] Unknown:
Right. Okay.
[00:46:29] Unknown:
So I think that's where I get my positive energy. Because I remember we had to keep them we used to do, like, some fitness things with them and keep them active and all. And I just so that's why I think I get it from that buzz from little ones and obviously everyone else that supports them.
[00:46:46] Unknown:
I should imagine it's a lot of fun because I'm, you know, similar to you, like, I work with well, not children, but older people. When you have got to be a bit mad to try and engage and bring a bit of energy into it. I think if you're a bit like, if you've got no energy, you're not gonna lift anybody. You have to kind of, like, be a bit mad and a bit out there. And, making other people feel happy and good, to me, that means a lot. Makes you feel good, doesn't it?
[00:47:10] Unknown:
Yeah. I do like seeing people happy and smiling. Even though if I look a bit silly, I know half the time my dance moves are really cringey to a lot of people, especially my family. I know they cringe when they watch me, but I think well,
[00:47:25] Unknown:
never mind. They don't. What do your family think then? Are they are they, like, proud?
[00:47:32] Unknown:
Yeah. They are proud. I just think sometimes they find me a little bit cringey sometimes.
[00:47:37] Unknown:
So I think it's always like that if you know someone, isn't it? But I I can't see how it's cringey. I just think it's it's amazing, and that's why, you know, you don't realize your little run lifts so many people. And it's the fact that you're doing star jumps and you're dancing. And you you do it on TikTok as well and take song requests, don't you?
[00:47:56] Unknown:
Oh, yeah. I I do. I have done that, but not I I think everyone gets a bit nervous of coming forward in case I probably haven't heard that song. But any requests, I'm up for it. Just write it in the comments, and I'll have a go. Right. So get on the comments on her Facebook page later, guys, and, she'll do a dance for you.
[00:48:17] Unknown:
Oh, no. I love it. What is your name on TikTok, Abby? Have you got a certain name, or is it just Abby Matthews?
[00:48:23] Unknown:
It's just Abby Matthews.
[00:48:25] Unknown:
Right. Look her up, and, I wanna get out there. I said to the other day, I wanna get out, and I wanna film you running up the road and, yeah, with the pushchair. Because I I think seeing is believing. People think, well, how can that be so entertaining? It's not just entertaining. It's makes you smile And when you can still smile a few hours about something you've seen later on, you know, earlier on in the day, it's, that's a good life, I think.
[00:48:49] Unknown:
Yeah. I mean, I see loads of people in their cars waving, and sometimes they're even joining in with me. And I just think that's great.
[00:48:56] Unknown:
Yeah. Well, when I last stopped and I was next year, I was beeping the horn and I was waving, and I was just like, oh my god. I love it. I love it. And it's usually on a Friday I see you, and I take 3 elderly, residents from the nursing home to, a day care center. And I'm pointing. I'm like, look look out. It's it's that girl again. And this Friday, when we came, I was like, right. You all need to look out for Abby. Okay? Oh. We've got everybody looking out for you. Oh, okay. You've you've, like, literally just become a little bit of a local hero, haven't you? You had a photography shoot a few days ago. You were approached by Spotlight TV, was it?
[00:49:35] Unknown:
Oh, yes. I was not gonna be talking about politics. That's not my strongest point.
[00:49:41] Unknown:
Oh, bless you. I doubt if it was politics they wanted to talk about, was it? Or was it due to the upcoming election?
[00:49:47] Unknown:
Yeah. Well, the election, I'm not really, of that. But, I wasn't prepared to say much because I would have probably had a few negative comments there. People would have disagreed, and I I get some of my runs. I didn't need any extra.
[00:50:04] Unknown:
No. No. This is it. And I think that's why politics is, I I see lots of people I know going for independence now for this upcoming election and credit to them because they've got balls. They've got guts. I can't take it. I I can do with a bit of hate here and there, but, I certainly don't know enough. But then perhaps sometimes we always feel like we don't know enough even to give an opinion, you know. I think we can feel quite worthless in ourselves, and when we say things I know I do. I say things, and I think, oh my god. I better think, what a load of rubbish. She doesn't know what she's talking about. Yeah. That's probably what people are thinking now or something. I doubt if they are. And at the end of the day, who bloody cares? You're you're having a chat, and you're having fun. You're living your life. But the political side of it, no. I admit, I don't I don't know enough, but somebody spoke to me the other day, and she said I had to get in touch because you know so much about stuff. And I was like, really? No. I don't think I do.
I know how to talk. I like talking.
[00:51:01] Unknown:
So Yeah. I do too.
[00:51:03] Unknown:
So doing this helps. Yeah. So, I mean, do you have a social life at all, Abby, or is that it? Because, I mean, obviously, you've got 3 children.
[00:51:11] Unknown:
Well, I not really because I just I don't really have a lot of time as they're young. I mean, I will mix with the moms down at the schools sometimes and that, but I think more that's more of my sort of social life. I know I don't know these people, but a little wave and a beep, it does make me feel a bit happier inside as well, and I feel better, I suppose, as a person.
[00:51:37] Unknown:
Yeah. I think it's it's funny time when you go through school with your children because I quite often think about those years that you're dropping off at the school gates and stuff. You do build friendships hanging around at the gates, talking about things, and then, you know, this was a regular thing every day. And now my son is 10, and this year, we've been told not to pick them up from the classroom, but to collect them at the gates to give them that bit of independence. And then next year, ideally, they'd like them to make their own way home or walk halfway and stuff. So I don't see any of the mums anymore, and I miss that because you do get quite a bond.
[00:52:12] Unknown:
Yeah. I mean, the moms that go to my school, they're all lovely, and and my children have got such lovely friendships as well. And it's nice I think it's nice when you see all the parents getting along because the children can pick up a good vibe. Yeah. Okay.
[00:52:28] Unknown:
And will you be running on the sports day race for the parents run?
[00:52:33] Unknown:
Oh, unfortunately, I don't think mine are out that year yet, but maybe next I think next year if my oldest daughter wants me to, unless she finds me a bit embarrassing. But so I will I will give it a go.
[00:52:46] Unknown:
It's something I always dreaded. And with my older 2, I, like, always just hid. Always hid. And then this time around, I was like, because I'm older and I don't care. You know? It's like, I'm gonna do it. And I think 1 year I did it, of course, I didn't warm up. You've got some of these moms. They've worn their trainers, especially. They're warming up. I did this sprint. I was probably about 5th or 6th, and, you know, you think back to when I was a child, I think, actually, I was a really good sprinter, and but I did it. And for about 3 days, though, I couldn't walk properly.
You wouldn't think 1 75 meter sprint could just do that much damage.
[00:53:22] Unknown:
Well, then my oldest daughter, she runs really well, and she plays football. So and and I've got her in gymnastics as well. So and she does really well. Oh, great. She's got a little little nice little runner. I think she picks it up from me. Yeah. You'll be able to do things together, won't you? Go out running and stuff. Yeah. I think I think she'll like that.
[00:53:46] Unknown:
Yeah. So you think, like, the last few years, that this is a big mental health solver for people? Because people always say, what can I do for mental health? It's it's bugging me. I'm depressed. Blah. And the problem is when somebody says to you when you're you've got a low mood and you you've got depression, do you know what? You need to go out and have a run. The last thing you can think of is getting up for a running because you can just about get your, you know, get your clothes on that day. What advice would you give to these people that are, like, struggling and would like to start out and do things like this?
[00:54:16] Unknown:
I would say go for a walk first. And if you can do it, maybe do fast walking. Just just just to ease yourself in. Because like I said, I did it just by walking first. And then, I mean, I, I was a little bit of a Heller. I just went for it sometimes, and I couldn't offer. I think just they need to listen to their own bodies. When the time's right and ready, they will they will find their feet, and they will it they it will happen for them.
[00:54:45] Unknown:
Yeah. And, I mean, presumably, if you, like, walk for 15 minutes a day and then you build it up to 20 minutes, then you progress to a jog. I do hear people talk about, is it the couch to 5 k app or something you can get?
[00:54:58] Unknown:
Yeah.
[00:54:59] Unknown:
That's quite good. Yeah. I've not really I used to do a bit, but I don't think I've got knees for running on the road. I don't like cardio, just full stop.
[00:55:09] Unknown:
Because I I used to do weights in the gym as well, so I was doing weight training. And then I've just gone to, just stuck with running, and I think just running is just what I love and enjoy doing. It's more it helps me more mentally. It was physically I wanted to change, because I wasn't happy in myself, so it was more physically when I first started, but now it's more more mentally, and now I'm not I don't really care if anyone finds me silly or anything anymore. I used to find it used to upset me if someone was a bit horrible or said horrible things, but, actually, it just doesn't faze me now, because I think there's so many positive comments I get, even through the school or out in the streets or just on the comments. It's just nice
[00:55:56] Unknown:
to hear. Good. Good. Well, I'm gonna certainly keep following you, and, I'm waiting to see in a few weeks' time, like, when you're out and about how many beeps you are getting and if you get to cause a car crash.
[00:56:07] Unknown:
Oh, no. Oh, I do hope not.
[00:56:10] Unknown:
Well, you're gonna have to make sure you don't start getting too sexy with it, Abby, because, you know, you look amazing anyway, and you've got all your sports gear all and stuff. But perhaps if you start, you know, like, I go to the gym and some of these young ones. I mean, fair play. Do it. You're in the gym. They've got these little bra tops on and these little shorts, and they look amazing. But, you know, people my age, we can just look in awe and think, I can't be asked to do the work to look like that. I had my time, and I'm a bit like that now, hence I joined the gym. But I go, and sometimes, I'm there for 25 minutes, and I don't really know what I'm doing, so I just leave again. But, yeah, if you're there in all your gear, like I said, you could cause a car crash.
[00:56:47] Unknown:
Well, I should if any any lady that's listening, I think you should just love your bodies how you are. If you want to improve it, that's great. But if you don't, just love yourself how you are, I would say to anyone.
[00:56:58] Unknown:
And I think you're absolutely right. I saw somebody the other day in the swimming pool, and she's 52, and she said, Shelley, it's only now that I accept myself. And I think we've all got this stigma, this idea that we should all be slender and slim. And, you know, I'm I'm 47 years old now, and I think for a few years, I've needed to lose a little bit. But can I be asked? A little bit. Can I give up the wine? No. And it's like, well, just be happy. And lately, I do feel happy, and I think, actually, it's, it's a process, isn't it? You can't I think before, I've I've gone to the gym for a couple of weeks. After 2 weeks, I've not lost anything. It's like, ah, back at this. I'm giving up. But, you know, you could take I think I've got a 6 month membership.
If I don't look any different or feel any different, then I'm out, and it's a big waste of money. But running, you're not spending any money, really, are you? Just a decent ish pair of trainers.
[00:57:48] Unknown:
Yeah. Well, no. I think the biggest motivation is my mom because she's really good. And if if I didn't add my mom, I wouldn't be able to go out in the evenings. So it's nice that my mum's in. She motivates me a lot, and she's quite good at being healthy and all, so it's nice. He's taught me things as well. Yeah.
[00:58:08] Unknown:
Oh, great stuff. Mom and daughter team. Yeah. Well, look, we're coming to the end of the show, Abby. Thank you so much for being a guest on my first show, and, I'm gonna keep beaking at you. Oh, well, thank you for having me. No. You're welcome, and I wish you so much luck, my lovely. And I I'm sure I'll see you in the marathon or something. We'll follow your progress. Oh, thank you so much. Well, fingers crossed I get in. Definitely. Alright, my darling. You take care, and I'll see you out at some point this week. Okay. So yes. Thank you. Bye. Take care. Bye. You you do have to see it to believe it, guys. It is just a wonder to watch someone that happy. You could not look at that and think, who does she think she is? You you just look and you smile, and, we all need a bit more of that in life at the moment.
And that is the aim really of doing this show, to talk to women that bring something into the world, into the community, not miserable stuff. I'm sure I'm gonna talk talk to people that have got sad stories and stuff like that. But as I said, if you think you know anybody that's got a story that you think would be a good guest, please get in touch. If you wanna leave me a voice note, my email address is [email protected]. I will be back same time next week. Have an awesome week, people.
Good evening, ladies. And maybe there are few gentlemen listening too. Tonight is the first new show, ribbingzower. Great to have your company. I'm streaming from radio soapbox.com, and I'm your host, Shelley Tasker. So this show is gonna be dedicated each week. It's a chance for you ladies to kick back, have a glass of wine, have a rest from those chores, the ironing, the cooking, and the cleaning if you're a traditional lady. If not, so be it. Anyway, I have 2 great guests this evening. You may sound from my you may be able to hear from the sound of my voice. I'm a bit shaking. I'm a bit nervous. I don't know why tonight.
Something new. Anyway, I have the wonderful Hayley Gilbert on the line. Hayley is the founder of Cambourne Children's Close Bank, which is set up in Cambourne in Cornwall in the UK, and this has been running for quite a while now. And Hayley has won awards for this. She's she's a real inspiration and does a lot more about that. Good evening, Hayley, and welcome to the show. Hi. I know you're nervous as well. How are you, my lovely? Are you there? Oh, great. Yeah. Good. All good. Thank you. All good. Good. Yep. I'm here. You're here. And you're a full time mum, Hayley, aren't you, with, how many children? 5.
Five children.
[00:02:14] Unknown:
And you Yeah. And you Ranging from 11 to 20. Wow. Wow. You're busy.
[00:02:20] Unknown:
But Always. In this in your spare time, you are a real advocate for moms out there. Not only do you sort out the closed bank, you help people with housing difficulties and stuff like that. You're on the school PTA. He was on the school PTA. I personally don't know in the last couple of years how I would have managed without you because, quite often you tag me if there's something to remember. But, so tell us a bit about yourself and your venture into the Campbell and Children's Close Bank and how it came into action. Up at the other end of Cambourne,
[00:02:54] Unknown:
but, COVID kind of up at the other end of Cambourne but, COVID kind of killed it all off and she had some health problems, she no longer wanted to do it. We used to base ourselves at Cambourne Tesco, but they took away the room so it didn't kind of get set back up after COVID. I knew the need for it because I'd seen how many people attended pre COVID. So I contacted a few local churches to see if I could get any of them involved, and Cambourne Church were eager.
[00:03:29] Unknown:
Yeah. And it's a great place. It's massive, isn't it?
[00:03:32] Unknown:
Yeah. Big building. They give us the storage. We fill the whole church. Donations come in for everybody locally. Every day, we get donations. And, yeah, yeah, once a month, we hold the big event, and we have people from all over Cornwall that attend now.
[00:03:50] Unknown:
I know. And I've been once, and I helped you, and I filmed a little bit because I I could not believe the amount of stuff that you have, that whole church. You know, for those, it's basically all divided into, like, age categories, naught to 6 months, 6 to 12 months, 12 to 13 years, adult clothes, teenage clothes. I mean, it's not even just clothes, is it? It's accessories, baby prams, and stuff like that. Yeah. Whatever we get, really. Yeah, prams,
[00:04:18] Unknown:
bouncy chairs, travel cots, normal cots, a larger items we take up straight onto our Facebook page because they take up a lot of storage. Yeah. Everything. Anything you can think of. Towels, bedding, shoes, coats, toys.
[00:04:36] Unknown:
And most of it goes, doesn't it? Yes. Every month. Because when I helped you, I was like, oh my word. And, you know, you've got you're like Every month. Yeah. Every month, your little team of helpers, bless them, and you move stuff from one of the side buildings via Tesco trolleys into the main church.
[00:04:58] Unknown:
And it's like little work around.
[00:05:00] Unknown:
Yeah. Yeah. And everybody's busy getting involved. I loved it because I helped out one day in summer, and I took my son with me and, like, even he got involved for a while. But even, like pretty awesome. It is awesome, and it's a real sense of feeling that you're doing something good for people. And I just love the fact that everything's bagged up, up, and you've got these Tesco trolleys full. And it's Also, people don't always believe it until they've actually seen it. No. No. I was thinking you would give me unpacking all of that stuff, and most of it would go back. I mean, I didn't see I didn't stay till the end, but it's just full. And like you say, people come Yeah. From all over Cornwall. And, I mean, I suppose there is quite a bit of poverty, really, in Camborne, isn't there?
[00:05:43] Unknown:
Surprisingly. Yeah. I think we we underestimate the amount of it Yeah. Really, because we don't believe our and, like, people that we know or our neighbors could actually live in such poverty until you actually see them and they open their door. It's pretty eye opening.
[00:06:02] Unknown:
Yeah. I can imagine. And I love the fact it always stands out in my head, like, the little, like, bags full of pants and things like that. And we know with children how quick they grow, but one of those things, like, you're not allowed to sell on eBay and things like that is used pants and things like that, but they're all things that people need that they can't afford. Even a packet of pants is, like, £7 for 5 pairs of little pants. And you know what kids are like? And I love the fact that you just get you know, as long as it's not got holes in it or Yeah. Stained or anything. And people say, oh, I wouldn't want secondhand pants. Well, until you've been in that situation and you need new pants for all of your kids that fit and are clean, it doesn't matter if they're secondhand. Things wash up, don't they? Yep. Every month. All the pants, socks,
[00:06:44] Unknown:
bras, everything is gone.
[00:06:47] Unknown:
And do you get, like, you do seem to get I've been there before when you've got, like, almost an aisle, one on aisle. The back end of the church is just, like, full of things like car seats and prams.
[00:06:58] Unknown:
Yeah. Because we're not a registered charity, we're able to give these away. Oh, I see. So if we went down the charity route, then things would to be tested and Oh, yeah. Yeah. Certified or whatever. So we're steering clear as long as as long as we can.
[00:07:15] Unknown:
Yeah. And I mean, it's wonderful because these days, even if you go in a charity shop, the prices, they're not what I call charity shop prices. It's just a kick off.
[00:07:23] Unknown:
Well, the charity shop sometimes donates to us because they can't sell certain items, So they give them to us, and then we can give it away. Right. Right. But they're unable to give it away.
[00:07:36] Unknown:
Yeah. Of course. Of course. So yeah. So at the start of it because do you still do, like, refreshments in the backroom and stuff?
[00:07:45] Unknown:
From 3 o'clock on the day, the church put on a tea time. So that's the church. They do it every Tuesday. Alright. So it's not part of what you do? No. It just happens to tie in with what we do. Alright. Great stuff. So, yeah, it works out ideal.
[00:08:00] Unknown:
Yeah. Free pizza? Free pizza. Yeah. And, I mean, church is community. I've always said it. I used to always think when I wasn't, you know, not overly religious, but I see why people go. It's the involvement with local people and stuff. Yeah. I think it is being involved and being part of something, isn't it? It is. A lot of people haven't got many people, haven't got any family,
[00:08:20] Unknown:
so they all head there.
[00:08:21] Unknown:
Did did you expect it to take off like it has?
[00:08:25] Unknown:
Well, not as big as it is. No. It's crazy.
[00:08:29] Unknown:
And is Campbell the only one, or do they do it all, you know, different parts of the country as well?
[00:08:35] Unknown:
I think there are some further upline. We've got one there was one in Truro. I'm not even sure if that one's still running.
[00:08:44] Unknown:
Right.
[00:08:45] Unknown:
But I've I'm not sure anymore. I've seen some before on, like, Spotlight News. They have, like, baby bank and
[00:08:54] Unknown:
Yeah. It's just marvelous. I mean, I've never been there at the end. What's it like at the start? Actually, I've never even been there at the start. It takes us about
[00:09:03] Unknown:
3 3 and a half hours to pack to set it all up. Right. And then it takes us about a hour to pack it away.
[00:09:11] Unknown:
Just goes to show how much stuff
[00:09:13] Unknown:
goes. Yeah. Definitely.
[00:09:16] Unknown:
And I should imagine you're just a lifesaver for so many people. We, you know, I always see posts on that page as well that, you know, people are asking for things and haven't got the money, and I I just couldn't believe it when I saw prams and car seats and stuff. And Yeah. Some of it is in, like, immaculate condition.
[00:09:31] Unknown:
Yeah. Most of it. Yeah. A lot of, we also get contacted from, like, family services and stuff now.
[00:09:39] Unknown:
Alright.
[00:09:40] Unknown:
They're, they are, like, women trying to escape domestic violence, so they've just had to leave with nothing. So, like, one of their support workers will come along and meet me, and then we'll go and sort out whatever they need.
[00:09:55] Unknown:
Oh, you're just such a lovely person. Person. Yeah. I I just I love it. I love the whole feel of it. And, you know, I know Lisa as well. I've quite often popped around to Lisa's house with little bits, and her husband's been a bit like he says I can't stand living like this because the lounge is just piling up.
[00:10:12] Unknown:
I know. But we took a carload from my house yesterday and another carload today.
[00:10:19] Unknown:
Right.
[00:10:19] Unknown:
Yeah, it just fills up. My living room is not very big and, yeah, my family have kind of dealt with it now and got over it because that's just the way it is. How how can they complain at that? I know. Something to do. Yeah. It's tough.
[00:10:32] Unknown:
Yeah. Yeah. And you there's a team of you. Out the window. Yeah. Okay. There's a team of you, isn't there, that, like, has collection points?
[00:10:41] Unknown:
Because Yeah. There's 3 of us that take in the donations and then take them up to the room. If we didn't have the donations to our house, we would have to be at the storage room all the time. Yeah. Yeah. So it's either be at home with your family and then you can still do whatever or, yeah, be sat outside the church.
[00:11:01] Unknown:
And do your children, like, get first tabs? This is an awful question, but do they get first tabs, like, if nice games and stuff come in? I mean, you are doing a bit of work. Yeah. They do.
[00:11:11] Unknown:
They can save time and put it back. My kids are older now, so it's not as easy because, you know, they only like what they like. Yeah. Yeah. They only wear what they wear. Yeah. But, yeah. For my nephew, I usually he's only 3, so I often get him a few bits and but sometimes something comes in and you just think, oh my god. So and so would love that. Yeah. You know, they would appreciate that. It could just be some random person, and then I'm chasing them down at school saying, look. I think your kid would really love this.
[00:11:47] Unknown:
Quite awesome. Great stuff. Great stuff. And do do your children help with it as well?
[00:11:53] Unknown:
2 of them will,
[00:11:55] Unknown:
and 2 of them won't. Yeah. Right. Well, it's a good bit of work experience for them as well, really, isn't it? Seeing, like, how much people are in need, life experience, I suppose, and seeing how much they're able to, like, contribute and help.
[00:12:08] Unknown:
Yeah. My 16 year old, she she's quite useful. She'll, help me sort the clothes. And if I have to be at the storage room in the evening, then she'll usually come up with me because Cambon graveyard is not a very pleasant place.
[00:12:20] Unknown:
It's not, is it? Is there still,
[00:12:23] Unknown:
is there still homeless people living there? It's not as bad as it used to be. The homeless people have been, housed, ones that were actually in the church. Right. So we did help them as well
[00:12:35] Unknown:
with, like, the like sleeping bags and tents and stuff, didn't you? Yeah.
[00:12:39] Unknown:
It's hard because they they do need it. Of course they do. And they're still human. We was asked not to help them. Oh, how could you not? No. That's what I said. I said if he asked me for a blanket and I've got a blanket there, then he's having it. Absolutely.
[00:12:54] Unknown:
I I was shocked because it was the 2nd time I went round to find you at the back of a church. I think you were doing a toy sale this week where it wasn't a sale, but a toy giveaway. Yeah. And I hadn't walked behind the back of the church for a long time, and these tents all put up right outside the back of the church doors. Yeah. That just seems really ironic.
[00:13:12] Unknown:
Time, there was 5 5 tents out there.
[00:13:16] Unknown:
Yeah. Right outside the church doors. And I know I did say to somebody, well, can the church do something to kind of, like, help these people? But, apparently, they've had them in and things were stolen, and there's just no one to keep watch, so to speak.
[00:13:28] Unknown:
It's really hard because because the tents are set up there. They bring more unsavoury people to the area.
[00:13:35] Unknown:
Yeah. Yeah.
[00:13:36] Unknown:
So it's yeah. And I know I was chatting to 1 homeless guy that was staying in a tent, and, I got chatting to him outside Aldi. And every time I went into Aldi, I'd get him a coffee or something like that. But he was saying, you know, as much as they, like, kind of need to beg and stuff like that, if they're away from their tent, things get stolen from their tents and stuff. Yeah. It does. The kids, especially, they throw rocks at their tent and
[00:14:01] Unknown:
Oh, lovely. When man had his tent nicked. Oh, god. It's just shocking what some people have got to go through, isn't it? Yeah. And that's all they've got. Yeah. I think the guy you're talking about, he's now been rehomed. He's in Tuck Mill. He's got a flat. Good. Good. But I've got his I've got his phone number. That's all Nick.
[00:14:18] Unknown:
Yeah. Yeah. Bless him. I liked him, and I know he had a drinking problem. And, like you say, these people have got problems, but they they shouldn't be denied help, so to speak. But he he was he's a nice he's a nice guy. He's lovely. He's not. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So I wanted to take him into Witherspoon's one day. I said, come on. I'll take you in for a coffee, and we'll have a chat. And, he said, oh, I'm not allowed in Witherspoon's.
[00:14:40] Unknown:
They banned them from Wetherspoons Yeah. Because they because they smell.
[00:14:45] Unknown:
Oh, okay. He told me because I asked the manager in there one day. He said, well, it's because they beg. And I went, oh, right. Okay. But they're not in Wetherspoons begging. They go in there. They sit down.
[00:14:56] Unknown:
They you often, they want, like, an electric place to charge their mobile phones or whatever. Right. Right. That's what they're usually after.
[00:15:03] Unknown:
Yeah. I never thought about that. Oh, bless you. Yeah. But, oh, I'm glad Nick sorted out anyway. And all of them, to be fair, it's, no luck. When we've had that really freezing cold weather, and I've been chatting to him outside, I think, oh my god. There's a small part of me who thinks, could I bring you back? I think I just can't risk it. I don't really know him that well. No. I know. But I'm a bit of a sucker like that. You know, if there's a stray dog or something, I usually try and take it home. But Yeah. So I know. Awful. But you've won awards for this, haven't you, for your Yeah. I have,
[00:15:32] Unknown:
the radio Cornwall making a difference award. That was quite nice. Poshdu up at Cathedral. Lovely. It was quite sweet. And then we got invited to Westminster Abbey for the royal carol concert.
[00:15:46] Unknown:
Oh, wow.
[00:15:48] Unknown:
That was pretty cool. I've got brushing shoulders with the stars.
[00:15:53] Unknown:
Well, you are a star in Campbell, and I gotta be fair. And I mean love me. Little no. Not little of you at 2. My god. Little little person with the biggest heart. It's, yeah. I know you've got an amazing heart, and you deserve those awards. But, I mean, apart from that, do you still help people with housing and stuff? Because I know I spoke to you a bit about that a couple of years ago.
[00:16:14] Unknown:
Well, only like I only do if they got well, it's just people on Facebook, direct them or sometimes they give me their login details, and I will help them fill out the form, that sort of thing. Yeah. Yeah.
[00:16:36] Unknown:
Just just to help. God. Have you actually got any time to be a mum?
[00:16:41] Unknown:
Yes. I don't. That's why I go away some weekends.
[00:16:45] Unknown:
Yeah. You do have a good social life. I do see it pop up, and, yeah, you bloody deserve it. Definitely. Well, I mean so that this is the 1st Tuesday of every month.
[00:16:56] Unknown:
Yep. And everyone and anyone is welcome, and they're welcome to take whatever they want. As much as they want. There's no limit.
[00:17:06] Unknown:
Is it a bit like some of the car boot sales when you open the door? You know, like, I've been at car boot sales. They blow a whistle when everybody runs in
[00:17:14] Unknown:
Oh, yeah. Right. We we have to shut the door, so I open the door at 2 o'clock. And so the tower door, you know, the entrance to the church where you walk in if you was getting married?
[00:17:23] Unknown:
Yes.
[00:17:24] Unknown:
So that's the door that we let them all in, and they will be queued up to Wetherspoons most months. Wow. Wow. 1 month, they were queued up around to the entrance of the hotel. It was crazy.
[00:17:38] Unknown:
Oh, no. It's amazing. And I mean, like, when I was there before and I saw, like, the shoe selection, and I'm like, wow. Yeah. It's just, yeah. I've got stuff here for you as well. I must You tried to explain
[00:17:51] Unknown:
it to people, but until they've seen it, they don't really get it. No. No. I didn't. And I think in when they come and they see, like, all the different types of people that come, then they're a bit more relaxed about it. Yeah. Because they seem to think that it's only for a certain type of person. And then you come there and you see who's there, and you're like, yeah.
[00:18:09] Unknown:
Okay. It's a bit of a catch up as well, isn't it? I went once Yeah. Because I was, like, in and I thought, oh, I'll nip over. And, yeah, and I just saw loads of people that I went to school with and stuff like that. It was a bit of a social, actually. But but it was last summer that I was gonna drop stuff off, and Lisa said, oh, just drop it around to the church. And I got there, and it was like, do you wanna help for an hour? I was like, yeah. Go on. I will. And I really enjoyed it. And then, like, Lisa said, do you think you could help every month? I said, if it wasn't working, I really would because it's such a worthy cause, and it's just lovely to feel that you're giving back something.
[00:18:44] Unknown:
And at the minute, we've got, like there's lots of foreign people that come. Right. Sometimes their English is really bad. So usually, like, between our mobile phones, we can work out what each other is trying to say. Yeah. Yeah. So they might be after a baby bath or something, so they kind of Google it and then I get on my phone and then I Google it and then show them my address on the phone on the map so that they know where to come and collect it, that sort of thing. Alright. Okay. Yeah. Yeah.
[00:19:14] Unknown:
So yeah. Oh, that's great stuff.
[00:19:16] Unknown:
People from everywhere.
[00:19:19] Unknown:
Everywhere and everywhere. Of these,
[00:19:21] Unknown:
African ladies, isn't it? African families have been moved into Cambourne on the promise of these jobs and everything, and they've got here, and there's it's not what they've been promised. Really? Yes. It's major. About that. Yeah. Okay. So what sort of work have they been promised and stuff? I mean Well, I think, like, care work, that sort of thing. They think they're coming here for this better life and they're gonna have this job and this amazing house. And then I've got one lady that comes and she's renting a house in Canborne, so near Red Jackets, and her rent for a 3 bedroom property there is £1600 a month.
Oh my gosh. They are being exploited left, right, and center. And, I mean, I know they probably qualify for housing benefit and stuff, but but they only pay a percentage of that now, don't they? Yeah. I don't know how how if they can claim that, like, straight away when once they've moved to this country. I don't know how that I don't know how that would work.
[00:20:21] Unknown:
No. No. Wow. 1400 6 did you say 14? 16. No. £1600
[00:20:27] Unknown:
a month. God. She said so and
[00:20:30] Unknown:
her husband works full time. She works part time, and most of their money goes straight on their rent. Yeah. Yeah. Oh, it's disgusting. It is really disgusting, and I think, actually, it's gonna get a whole lot worse, to be fair. Yeah. You know, what bills I always say to people, what bill are you gonna stop paying first?
[00:20:48] Unknown:
But I don't know. Thankfully Exactly. And then with the closed bank, at least they can just come and get clothes and toys. We have some people that come and get they're like, what toys have you got in because it's my little boy's birthday or Yeah. So they've come in to do that, which then frees up the money to pay another bill, doesn't it? Absolutely.
[00:21:06] Unknown:
Absolutely. And, oh, god. It's it's wonderful. I love it. And what about are you still helping out on the school PTA?
[00:21:15] Unknown:
Well, it's not a PTA. It's me and a Facebook page.
[00:21:19] Unknown:
But we rely on you for updates and stuff, and I, you know, I don't know how you get the time to do that.
[00:21:25] Unknown:
I don't know. I don't I do not know, honestly. So do you do just do it? Yeah.
[00:21:32] Unknown:
But, I mean, I know when we've talked before, you're an early riser, aren't you? You go to bed early, and you're up early. Right. So perhaps you're a bit more motivated than others. It's probably getting on to near your bedtime, isn't it, actually?
[00:21:44] Unknown:
9 o'clock.
[00:21:45] Unknown:
9 o'clock. And what time are you up in the morning?
[00:21:48] Unknown:
Well, about between 5 and 6 every day.
[00:21:55] Unknown:
Every day. Get up. Get on with it, ain't it? It is. Go out. It is. Yeah. Yeah. If only you did get paid, but I think you'll get paid in kindness for for your actions, definitely. I haven't got time to get a job. No. But but these people like you, game changers, real game changers.
[00:22:11] Unknown:
And then I've just got involved as well with, Devon and Cornwall Food Action. Oh, what's that? It's quite cool. It's a charity it's a charity and it's based up in Plymouth, and they bring down, like, big food trucks so people can you have to book it now. It's £25 donation. Right. But you they get so much food for their £25. So they get like a bag of cupboard stuff, a bag of freezer stuff, a bag of fruit, a bag of veg, a box of pies, a bag of toiletries, there's some baby items that they can pick through. There's like nappies, baby food, that sort of thing.
Right. And for £25, so you most probably get about 5 bags for life.
[00:22:57] Unknown:
Oh, okay. So how how is that managed then? Is that just, like, food that the supermarkets
[00:23:03] Unknown:
Yeah. I think it's, like, surplus food. You know? So they, I haven't actually been up there to their warehouse in Plymouth, but I have seen the video of the setup and everything. So they have, like, big chillers, big freezers, so they're able to take it and freeze it Wow. And then redistribute it. So they got they kinda they go to Cambourne, Haile, St Ives, They've just started 1 in Red Roof. They're looking at, trying to find a venue in Truro, and they do other stuff like the Plymouth side of stuff as well. Right. And is there a criteria you need to be in to, like, collect all of these? Right. Okay. So not skin like So, yeah, it's open to everybody, but everybody's gotta make their £25 donation. Yeah. Yeah. Well, that's fair enough. So some people question the 20 5 pound donation because they're like, well, the food's free blah blah blah, but not all of it is. And they Where does that? Run the warehouse. Alright. They have to they've got, like, the big Tesco, like, chiller vans, freezer vans Okay. That they use for their home delivery. They've got some of those, which they have to bring down.
Yeah. I was gonna say, where does the 25 pound go to? But, obviously, yeah, it's not just as simple as some bagging up some code, is it? Because I questioned it all as well because people were asking me about it, and I didn't have the answers. So I thought, right, £25. Let's go and see. Let's go and see what it's about.
[00:24:27] Unknown:
And lo and behold, you're now part of that. Yeah. So if anybody else is looking for an extra pair of hands, Hayley is your lady.
[00:24:35] Unknown:
I haven't got any more time. I've I've only got a Sunday spare, and that's my day to catch up on everything that I haven't done all week.
[00:24:45] Unknown:
Oh, brilliant stuff. Well, have you got anything you would like to add, my lovely, before we, come to a close? It's been lovely talking to you, and I just think people like you, you're a true inspiration. And, when when I had the idea of doing this show, it's like I need to talk to people like you that make a real difference to people's lives.
[00:25:03] Unknown:
Oh, thank you.
[00:25:04] Unknown:
I think you know how much people love you. You you're you're a good one, we should say, but I know I was gonna is there anything that you won't accept? No.
[00:25:14] Unknown:
Not really.
[00:25:15] Unknown:
Okey dokey. So have you got any final words, my lovely?
[00:25:20] Unknown:
No. Just the Children's Close Bank is the 1st Tuesday of the month, 2 till 4 PM in the church, opposite Aldi. Everyone's welcome. Come along and have a look. Great stuff. And If anybody wants to help volunteer, pop me a message on Facebook, and we can sort something out.
[00:25:37] Unknown:
Yeah. I I would advise anybody to do that that's got a spare few hours because it's sociable, it's lovely people, and it's lovely. Just just a lovely buzz. Yeah. So, people, if they would need to find you, Hayley, they can find you on Facebook, can't they?
[00:25:51] Unknown:
Yep. Hayley Gilbert. We've got our Facebook page, Cambourne Children's Clothes Bank or Hayley Gilbert. Hayley Gilbert Gilbert. Sorry.
[00:25:58] Unknown:
Brilliant. Well, thank you for spending your time on your Sunday and, being my first guest. Okay. It really means a lot. Alright, my lovely. Well, we'll catch up soon, no doubt, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your day. Alright. Cheers. Take care, darling. Bye. Bye bye. Bye. I wonder if these people actually do realize how you know, what an impact they do have on other people's lives. I mean, Hayley, like I've said, school PTA, she's not even part of the PTA, actually. She just does it, well, for fun to help people. So, yeah, any questions or if you'd like to help, do get in touch with Hayley a few hours of your time each week. Well, each month, even collecting them, being a port for collecting the clothes and stuff. I mean, poor thing. You know, living room, full chock block. And I mean it. I've seen the other ladies lounge, and I couldn't stand living in all of that stuff.
Anyway, moving onwards. Right. I wanted to give a shout out tonight to I've never met this lady. She is called Nancy, and she is the mom of my dear friend, Patrick, who is situated over in the States. He also runs a radio show, Radio Windmill. I think I've said that right. Anyway, hello, Nancy. I hear that you're a a real listener to the new channel, and I just wanted to say hi. Apparently, she listens to a lot of shows, and she gives a lot of good feedback when things go right or wrong. So big hello to her. Anybody else out there, if there's any women out there that you think deserve an interview, I'm sure there's loads. I mean, I know so many women that do marvelous things.
It'd be lovely to get in touch and have a chat, share your story. Right. Moving onwards. So I, I wanted to do a couple of different things with this show. It's still like, still in progress, and I have spent hours. You would believe this little short audio clip I've got for you in a second, it literally took me 2 hours to put together last night because I'm learning software at the same time, how to add audio on and stuff like that. But I put out on my Facebook page last week. I was asking women for life hacks, all of that, any wondrous life hacks that saves them time, saves them money, blah blah blah.
I had quite a few responses, and I messaged them back saying, would you mind giving me that, your little life hack as a voice note? I thought it'd be nice to bring on some other voices. Well, nobody really got back to me because I don't think people like the idea of, perhaps their voice. Somebody said, oh, you could just read it out, but I might create an AI voice. But I urge you, if you've got any life hacks and you would like to share it on this show, just say your name, send me a voice note, and I'll try and play on the next show. But this lady, bless her, is someone I know called Louise.
She sent me her few life hacks. So if I can play the right audio, will it work? So far, everything is going to plan, but we still have 32 minutes left for it to go badly wrong. Anyway, this will be let's see. Is it gonna play? Background music is there. Right. So, yeah, any life hacks. And you can email me if you'd like to get in touch to recommend a woman for an interview or a life hack or even a shout out to somebody special. My email address is [email protected]. Let's try and bring a bit of interaction in over the weeks. It'd be great to hear some Louise's life hacks.
[00:29:34] Unknown:
Sage, rosemary, and clove tea for natural hair dye. This darkens gray stroke blonde hair to dark blonde. Clean your teeth with bicarb soda and rinse with Celtic salt solution morning night. Walk for half an hour in fresh air every day. Don't open potentially worrying emails or post after 2 o'clock. Don't drink tea or coffee after 4 o'clock. Eat a banana before bed or a bit of porridge. Alternatively, have a hot shower. All of these will help you sleep. Vitamin d 3 and k 2, vitamin c, zinc, magnesium, yeast flakes, and spirulina. If you take these every day, this will cover all your main minerals and vitamins requirements.
Don't take cheap synthetic iron supplements if you have if you're anemic and you're low in iron. Iron bisglycinate is a much better alternative. For smooth shining skin, plump soft skin, Take tremella mushroom capsules.
[00:31:07] Unknown:
Oh, and it stopped. That must be the end. Right. I will take onboard some of that. I need to make note of all of those vitamins and minerals. Certainly need to get my skin soft and plump. I do like the one about the emails. Don't open emails after, like, 4 o'clock on a Friday. And you always get the worst kind then, don't you, when you've got, like, an hour to reply. Anyway, moving on. I'm gonna get in touch now with Abby Matthews. She also lives in Camborne. You don't have to be from Camborne to be on the show or Cornwall. Just a woman. Okay?
So I'm gonna call Abby now, and Abby is another legend in her own right. Let's just find her details and hope that she picks
[00:31:59] Unknown:
up. Okay.
[00:32:07] Unknown:
Good evening, lovely. Can you hear me? Yes. I can. Yes. How are you, my lovely?
[00:32:15] Unknown:
I'm good. Thank you. Yeah. Are you nervous?
[00:32:17] Unknown:
A little bit. Oh, bless you. Don't be nervous. Right. So everybody listening, Abby Matthews, Cornish girl. I think you're Cornish, aren't you, Abby? Yes. You sound Cornish. I know when we chatted the other night, we've got that tang of an accent, a bit like Hayley. And, so introducing Abby, I came across Abby a few weeks ago. When I drive my car through Tuckamil in Campbell, I've seen Abby at the top of the traffic lights with her push chair and her baby in it, and she's in all of her jogging gear, and she's doing star jumps, and she's singing, and it's just an amazing sight to watch. And I came home, and I was like, oh my god. Who is that woman?
And I put it on Facebook, and everybody's like, this is Abby Matthews. She does this. She does that. And I was like, these are the people we need to speak to because, we all need to know an Abby, I think. So tell us a little bit. You're you're a single mom, Abby, aren't you? Three children? Yes. I am. Yes. Yeah. So when did you first start getting into jogging?
[00:33:19] Unknown:
Well, I started when I was a teenager, and then I've continued since. And, obviously, I have my first daughter, which was Ariana, and I still carried on. It was quite hard near the end, obviously, with the bump. But I still carried on. And then after Ariana, and then I had Miles, and I was still training 3 miles. And then I was pushing 2 of them together, so I had a double push
[00:33:45] Unknown:
there. I would like to do that.
[00:33:49] Unknown:
And then, obviously, after miles, I had a layer, and I've done 2 half marathons, which was one was in Cardiff, and I raised quite a bit of money for Cancer Macmillan, I think. And then I did one in Cardiff, but that was just I didn't raise any money. I was just doing that for a little bit of fun. Right. So, yeah. And I just I find it so addictive. And everyone that has seen me or spoke to me has said to me, you're crazy. How do you find the motivation? And I just I don't know. I just find it so addictive.
[00:34:29] Unknown:
No. I'm I'm envious of your, energy, and I don't think you realize how many people they see you and they're like, wow. She has cheered me up. She has made my day to the point now that, like, when I drive him through Tuck in Mill, I think, oh, I wonder if Abby's gonna be out running. You've built built up a bit of a profile around here from from it, haven't you?
[00:34:51] Unknown:
Yeah. I mean, I started off just doing it just normal. I was just getting the odd few beeps. Now, obviously, everyone is waving and shouting. I'm like, oh, hi.
[00:35:02] Unknown:
Yeah, it's Dick, was it your intention to, like, cheer people up and be a bit mad with it, or did or was that just you in general? Would you just, like, run around smiling, singing, and dancing with a pushchair?
[00:35:14] Unknown:
I think it was more I was starting to dance really mainly because for the children, and they obviously found it a bit funny. And then I thought, well and then when people were messaging me, I had loads of messages saying, you've you really make me smile, or I love your dancing. And, obviously, then they say, keep it up. And I thought, that such, he made me feel quite good myself. I love to see someone smile, because I know a lot of people go through a lot of hard times, and I've been through hard times, and I know mentally lots of people have mental thing going on. So I thought, well, if I can make someone just smile just for a second, it might make them make their day, or just maybe half an hour, or just a minute of their day. It's just something I enjoy doing, just making people smile and
[00:36:04] Unknown:
Well, we do certainly do that. I mean, I was just literally buzzing a couple of weeks ago when I saw you, and I was like and when I found you on Facebook, I was like, yay. I need to speak to this lady. So, I mean, like, you go run into your hair appointments and everything, don't you, with your pushchair and toe and your headphones on?
[00:36:22] Unknown:
Oh, yeah. Oh, that's to my nail appointment. Alright.
[00:36:26] Unknown:
Are you not, like, arriving and just, like, half dead and full of sweat?
[00:36:31] Unknown:
Yeah. She's the the lady that does my nails says, oh, you're crazy, Abby. Especially when it's raining, and I'm like, oh, sorry.
[00:36:40] Unknown:
Well, at least you do. So how many times a week are you running then?
[00:36:44] Unknown:
Oh, I'm doing it every day. I mean, I started off doing 2.50 miles. This was before I was pregnant and all. And then I built up I was doing 10 miles every day. And then, obviously, I had the children. So I've cut back to 5 k to 5 k, which is 3 point something miles. So that's not too bad. And I just enjoy it, especially if it's been a bit of a hectic day, which it can be with 3 children as I'm sure a lot of people will agree. So
[00:37:14] Unknown:
And that's, like, the only reason you do it with a pushchair, I suppose, isn't it? Because you can't you know? Even now I try to go to the gym and squeezing it in with a a young one is is hard, but you can take the push chair with you.
[00:37:27] Unknown:
Yeah. And she does love it. I think she she just I think she just loves that movement and obviously the wind, and then she sees me dancing a bit silly, and she finds it funny, I think. Bless her.
[00:37:40] Unknown:
Do do you do the same route every day, Abby?
[00:37:44] Unknown:
Yes. But then sometimes I do change it up because I like to just see if I can better my time somewhere else. Oh, that's great. Yeah. Change routes to see if and then I change different times as well just to see if one time's a little bit better or something. And sometimes I can have a good good time, and other times I might think, oh, that wasn't so good. But I think, well, that's not too I'm not gonna be too hard on myself, because I think well, I've I've got out there, and I'm still going for it. And I can always improve it next the next day.
[00:38:20] Unknown:
Yeah. And, I mean, even if you went out and you couldn't run, you just had enough and you walked. At least you got the hell out there, and you did something.
[00:38:29] Unknown:
Oh, yeah. I think eve I think even dancing as well because I think that that's still moving and still getting out getting out there and
[00:38:39] Unknown:
Yeah. I had a friend once, and, you know, she wasn't massively overweight or anything. But when I saw her after, like, 2 months, I couldn't believe how much weight she had lost. And she said, I've just started dancing, Shelley. She said, if I do the housework, I dance constantly. And I'm like, wow. And, yeah, I should make note of that.
[00:38:58] Unknown:
I mean, I'm I'm either out walking as well, and I do some dog walking as well. And I do some I after a run, I'll sometimes do, like, a little 15, 10 minute workout after I've after I've done a run. And everyone's like, that's crazy. Where do you find the energy? I just push and push. I mean, I think sometimes I push my body too much sometimes because I've had the odd shin splints and all, and they have hurt. But,
[00:39:25] Unknown:
yeah, I've I do recover. You how old are you, Abby? If you don't mind me asking. You can say Oh, I'm I'm 26. Yeah. You're a baby. You're the same age as my daughter. Yeah. You're a baby. And it's funny because I know, like, my daughter, she's up at crazy times going to the gym and stuff like that. I met her at the gym 6 o'clock one day this week only because I had to be up to take my son to a school trip, and I surprised her at the gym. But she just sat on a regular basis. But then I think, well, you are, you know, 20 years younger than me.
[00:39:55] Unknown:
And I know Yeah. Lots of lots of people do say that to me. Oh, you are still young. You've got lots of energy.
[00:40:01] Unknown:
Yeah. Well, I'd like to think I'd still see you, like, in 20 years' time, but perhaps it'll be pushing your grandchildren, taking them out running. I don't say that just yet. I'm I'm too young. Long way to go. Yeah. Yeah. Just enjoy, enjoy your running and your time. Do do you have any aims for, like, future marathons and stuff?
[00:40:24] Unknown:
Well, I have applied for the London marathon. I'm and I know it's quite it's hard to get in. It's one of those it's like they do so. It's like a little lottery thing, you get it's picked random. So I have applied, and I'm just waiting back to hear from them. I I think that's coming up soon. I've I'll I will know
[00:40:44] Unknown:
if I get in or not. Cross because you you have to run for a charity or something, don't you? Yes. Yes. You do. Yes. So what was your choice of charity?
[00:40:56] Unknown:
Cancer Research. Alright. Okay.
[00:40:58] Unknown:
Wow. Yeah. I see. I only found that out this year. I thought anybody could apply to do the marathon. I didn't realize you know, you've got to pay you to do it as well, haven't you? Yes. Yeah. Oh, wow. Fingers crossed for you, and we might see you out, on the marathon. And I think might have to start doing extra miles around around camp or on a pool retreat or somewhere. Because it is it 24 or 26 miles of London marathon? 26. 26. Right. And, I mean, I know we've got listeners that are, like, in America and stuff like that. So the London marathon, I mean, I'm not sure if people have heard heard about it over there, but, yeah, big thing every month, and, it's nice when that time of year comes and you see people's Facebook feeds and pop up and stuff they've achieved it.
Yeah. Envious. I am envious. Yeah. I'm just I'm a bit lazy when it comes out to, you know, working out and stuff. I have just joined the gym, but trying to find time, it's, and this is, you know, you're doing it. That's the way to do it. And, I, you know, perhaps I'm being a little bit I I could make more of an effort, but you're in that zone. You make yourself go even if you don't want to go.
[00:42:08] Unknown:
Yeah. I mean, don't get me wrong. There there are times where I think I really don't wanna go, and I have to push myself. But I think, no. Go. Do it. Because I I will feel quite rubbish in myself if I don't go.
[00:42:24] Unknown:
Yeah. I it's something I never really understood that people say, like, oh, you go out for a run and you feel amazing after. I don't I don't get that buzz.
[00:42:33] Unknown:
Oh, yeah. I do. As soon as I've come back, my mood is if I've if I've been a bit grumpy or a bit moody, as soon as I've gone out and I've come back, I'm like a different like, it's I'm well. I'm happy now. I'm ready for the for the evening. And
[00:42:47] Unknown:
You're in the evening sometimes. Yeah. Yeah. And what do your kiddies think about this? Do they look like realize that you're a bit of a local celebrity?
[00:42:56] Unknown:
Oh, no. I think they're a little bit young. But I when when we get the odd beeps, my son will say, mommy, who's that? Who's that? It's quite funny.
[00:43:06] Unknown:
Yeah. Oh, just some random person. Yeah. You do need to get a T shirt or something, Abby, that says your name on it and stuff so people can look you up and follow you and beep for Abby. God. Yeah. I was thinking that you could potentially cause a car crash by those traffic lights. People be too busy watching you, and they won't move when it hits green. But
[00:43:27] Unknown:
Yeah. Well, people have let me cross over when it's green, and I think the other cars behind get a little bit grumpy.
[00:43:34] Unknown:
They just wanna watch you go. They don't wanna miss you. No. It's it's wonderful seeing your energy. And I mean, I know I've been following you now for, what, a couple of weeks on Facebook and stuff, and I gather that you get a few negative comments and a bit of hate as well.
[00:43:49] Unknown:
Yeah. Sometimes. But I just
[00:43:52] Unknown:
Where do you think that comes from?
[00:43:55] Unknown:
I think, like someone said to me, a lot of people don't like people being happy. I think or achieving goals. I think that's the trouble. If they're not happy with their life, they wanna bring someone else someone else down. Yeah. So that's why I don't reply back to the negative comments. I know some of the people that comment will will reply, and I'm all for that. But I just ignore it because I think they look silly if I don't respond. And if sometimes no response is better in my opinion, then just starting causing arguments and fighting because I'm all for positivity. I know I'm not gonna be everyone's cup of tea, and I am a little bit probably crazy to a lot of people. But I'm just me, and I'm just trying to spread some happiness to a lot of people and my children.
[00:44:46] Unknown:
Yeah. And it's great because I think a lot of us are quite scared of being ourselves. It's like, who who do you think you are to put yourself out there in the limelight, so to speak? You know, when I when I started doing radio and even this show, but I'm I'm a bit beyond that now. I advertised this show at the start of the week, and it's like, I can imagine a few haters out there. Who does she think she is? Blah blah blah. I think I'm doing what I enjoy. I'm doing what I wanna do, and I don't care. I don't know nothing about you. Do you know what I mean? There's just always that negative side out there.
[00:45:15] Unknown:
Yeah. I think just go for it, and I just wanna teach my children just to do things fun and hopefully to stay out of trouble. Just I don't want them to follow the negative path. I want them to look at mum and be proud and hopefully follow my footsteps.
[00:45:32] Unknown:
Oh, I'm sure they will be. And I mean, look at looking at your pages. So if you get out and about, you do a lot of stuff with them. And 3 children, I mean, how old are they, Abby?
[00:45:41] Unknown:
One's one and a half, one is 6, and one is 3, but soon to be 4. Right. So you certainly got your work cut out. Yeah. I sure do. Lots of people do say to me, you've got your hands full. I said, yeah. I sure do, but I wouldn't change it for the world. They keep me active as well,
[00:46:01] Unknown:
and it's nice. Yeah. And I think the thing is it's just because us older people as well. You know? The thought of looking after 3 children. I mean, I had my son, my grandson, and my granddaughter a couple of weeks ago. And, I mean, it was bearable. It was okay, but it's just you get used to having more time. But, again, you're young. Your time is now with them, and in 20 years' time, you'll be like that. Oh, I couldn't look after 3
[00:46:22] Unknown:
children. I think you just Well, I I used to work I used to work in a nursery, so I'm used to children.
[00:46:28] Unknown:
Right. Okay.
[00:46:29] Unknown:
So I think that's where I get my positive energy. Because I remember we had to keep them we used to do, like, some fitness things with them and keep them active and all. And I just so that's why I think I get it from that buzz from little ones and obviously everyone else that supports them.
[00:46:46] Unknown:
I should imagine it's a lot of fun because I'm, you know, similar to you, like, I work with well, not children, but older people. When you have got to be a bit mad to try and engage and bring a bit of energy into it. I think if you're a bit like, if you've got no energy, you're not gonna lift anybody. You have to kind of, like, be a bit mad and a bit out there. And, making other people feel happy and good, to me, that means a lot. Makes you feel good, doesn't it?
[00:47:10] Unknown:
Yeah. I do like seeing people happy and smiling. Even though if I look a bit silly, I know half the time my dance moves are really cringey to a lot of people, especially my family. I know they cringe when they watch me, but I think well,
[00:47:25] Unknown:
never mind. They don't. What do your family think then? Are they are they, like, proud?
[00:47:32] Unknown:
Yeah. They are proud. I just think sometimes they find me a little bit cringey sometimes.
[00:47:37] Unknown:
So I think it's always like that if you know someone, isn't it? But I I can't see how it's cringey. I just think it's it's amazing, and that's why, you know, you don't realize your little run lifts so many people. And it's the fact that you're doing star jumps and you're dancing. And you you do it on TikTok as well and take song requests, don't you?
[00:47:56] Unknown:
Oh, yeah. I I do. I have done that, but not I I think everyone gets a bit nervous of coming forward in case I probably haven't heard that song. But any requests, I'm up for it. Just write it in the comments, and I'll have a go. Right. So get on the comments on her Facebook page later, guys, and, she'll do a dance for you.
[00:48:17] Unknown:
Oh, no. I love it. What is your name on TikTok, Abby? Have you got a certain name, or is it just Abby Matthews?
[00:48:23] Unknown:
It's just Abby Matthews.
[00:48:25] Unknown:
Right. Look her up, and, I wanna get out there. I said to the other day, I wanna get out, and I wanna film you running up the road and, yeah, with the pushchair. Because I I think seeing is believing. People think, well, how can that be so entertaining? It's not just entertaining. It's makes you smile And when you can still smile a few hours about something you've seen later on, you know, earlier on in the day, it's, that's a good life, I think.
[00:48:49] Unknown:
Yeah. I mean, I see loads of people in their cars waving, and sometimes they're even joining in with me. And I just think that's great.
[00:48:56] Unknown:
Yeah. Well, when I last stopped and I was next year, I was beeping the horn and I was waving, and I was just like, oh my god. I love it. I love it. And it's usually on a Friday I see you, and I take 3 elderly, residents from the nursing home to, a day care center. And I'm pointing. I'm like, look look out. It's it's that girl again. And this Friday, when we came, I was like, right. You all need to look out for Abby. Okay? Oh. We've got everybody looking out for you. Oh, okay. You've you've, like, literally just become a little bit of a local hero, haven't you? You had a photography shoot a few days ago. You were approached by Spotlight TV, was it?
[00:49:35] Unknown:
Oh, yes. I was not gonna be talking about politics. That's not my strongest point.
[00:49:41] Unknown:
Oh, bless you. I doubt if it was politics they wanted to talk about, was it? Or was it due to the upcoming election?
[00:49:47] Unknown:
Yeah. Well, the election, I'm not really, of that. But, I wasn't prepared to say much because I would have probably had a few negative comments there. People would have disagreed, and I I get some of my runs. I didn't need any extra.
[00:50:04] Unknown:
No. No. This is it. And I think that's why politics is, I I see lots of people I know going for independence now for this upcoming election and credit to them because they've got balls. They've got guts. I can't take it. I I can do with a bit of hate here and there, but, I certainly don't know enough. But then perhaps sometimes we always feel like we don't know enough even to give an opinion, you know. I think we can feel quite worthless in ourselves, and when we say things I know I do. I say things, and I think, oh my god. I better think, what a load of rubbish. She doesn't know what she's talking about. Yeah. That's probably what people are thinking now or something. I doubt if they are. And at the end of the day, who bloody cares? You're you're having a chat, and you're having fun. You're living your life. But the political side of it, no. I admit, I don't I don't know enough, but somebody spoke to me the other day, and she said I had to get in touch because you know so much about stuff. And I was like, really? No. I don't think I do.
I know how to talk. I like talking.
[00:51:01] Unknown:
So Yeah. I do too.
[00:51:03] Unknown:
So doing this helps. Yeah. So, I mean, do you have a social life at all, Abby, or is that it? Because, I mean, obviously, you've got 3 children.
[00:51:11] Unknown:
Well, I not really because I just I don't really have a lot of time as they're young. I mean, I will mix with the moms down at the schools sometimes and that, but I think more that's more of my sort of social life. I know I don't know these people, but a little wave and a beep, it does make me feel a bit happier inside as well, and I feel better, I suppose, as a person.
[00:51:37] Unknown:
Yeah. I think it's it's funny time when you go through school with your children because I quite often think about those years that you're dropping off at the school gates and stuff. You do build friendships hanging around at the gates, talking about things, and then, you know, this was a regular thing every day. And now my son is 10, and this year, we've been told not to pick them up from the classroom, but to collect them at the gates to give them that bit of independence. And then next year, ideally, they'd like them to make their own way home or walk halfway and stuff. So I don't see any of the mums anymore, and I miss that because you do get quite a bond.
[00:52:12] Unknown:
Yeah. I mean, the moms that go to my school, they're all lovely, and and my children have got such lovely friendships as well. And it's nice I think it's nice when you see all the parents getting along because the children can pick up a good vibe. Yeah. Okay.
[00:52:28] Unknown:
And will you be running on the sports day race for the parents run?
[00:52:33] Unknown:
Oh, unfortunately, I don't think mine are out that year yet, but maybe next I think next year if my oldest daughter wants me to, unless she finds me a bit embarrassing. But so I will I will give it a go.
[00:52:46] Unknown:
It's something I always dreaded. And with my older 2, I, like, always just hid. Always hid. And then this time around, I was like, because I'm older and I don't care. You know? It's like, I'm gonna do it. And I think 1 year I did it, of course, I didn't warm up. You've got some of these moms. They've worn their trainers, especially. They're warming up. I did this sprint. I was probably about 5th or 6th, and, you know, you think back to when I was a child, I think, actually, I was a really good sprinter, and but I did it. And for about 3 days, though, I couldn't walk properly.
You wouldn't think 1 75 meter sprint could just do that much damage.
[00:53:22] Unknown:
Well, then my oldest daughter, she runs really well, and she plays football. So and and I've got her in gymnastics as well. So and she does really well. Oh, great. She's got a little little nice little runner. I think she picks it up from me. Yeah. You'll be able to do things together, won't you? Go out running and stuff. Yeah. I think I think she'll like that.
[00:53:46] Unknown:
Yeah. So you think, like, the last few years, that this is a big mental health solver for people? Because people always say, what can I do for mental health? It's it's bugging me. I'm depressed. Blah. And the problem is when somebody says to you when you're you've got a low mood and you you've got depression, do you know what? You need to go out and have a run. The last thing you can think of is getting up for a running because you can just about get your, you know, get your clothes on that day. What advice would you give to these people that are, like, struggling and would like to start out and do things like this?
[00:54:16] Unknown:
I would say go for a walk first. And if you can do it, maybe do fast walking. Just just just to ease yourself in. Because like I said, I did it just by walking first. And then, I mean, I, I was a little bit of a Heller. I just went for it sometimes, and I couldn't offer. I think just they need to listen to their own bodies. When the time's right and ready, they will they will find their feet, and they will it they it will happen for them.
[00:54:45] Unknown:
Yeah. And, I mean, presumably, if you, like, walk for 15 minutes a day and then you build it up to 20 minutes, then you progress to a jog. I do hear people talk about, is it the couch to 5 k app or something you can get?
[00:54:58] Unknown:
Yeah.
[00:54:59] Unknown:
That's quite good. Yeah. I've not really I used to do a bit, but I don't think I've got knees for running on the road. I don't like cardio, just full stop.
[00:55:09] Unknown:
Because I I used to do weights in the gym as well, so I was doing weight training. And then I've just gone to, just stuck with running, and I think just running is just what I love and enjoy doing. It's more it helps me more mentally. It was physically I wanted to change, because I wasn't happy in myself, so it was more physically when I first started, but now it's more more mentally, and now I'm not I don't really care if anyone finds me silly or anything anymore. I used to find it used to upset me if someone was a bit horrible or said horrible things, but, actually, it just doesn't faze me now, because I think there's so many positive comments I get, even through the school or out in the streets or just on the comments. It's just nice
[00:55:56] Unknown:
to hear. Good. Good. Well, I'm gonna certainly keep following you, and, I'm waiting to see in a few weeks' time, like, when you're out and about how many beeps you are getting and if you get to cause a car crash.
[00:56:07] Unknown:
Oh, no. Oh, I do hope not.
[00:56:10] Unknown:
Well, you're gonna have to make sure you don't start getting too sexy with it, Abby, because, you know, you look amazing anyway, and you've got all your sports gear all and stuff. But perhaps if you start, you know, like, I go to the gym and some of these young ones. I mean, fair play. Do it. You're in the gym. They've got these little bra tops on and these little shorts, and they look amazing. But, you know, people my age, we can just look in awe and think, I can't be asked to do the work to look like that. I had my time, and I'm a bit like that now, hence I joined the gym. But I go, and sometimes, I'm there for 25 minutes, and I don't really know what I'm doing, so I just leave again. But, yeah, if you're there in all your gear, like I said, you could cause a car crash.
[00:56:47] Unknown:
Well, I should if any any lady that's listening, I think you should just love your bodies how you are. If you want to improve it, that's great. But if you don't, just love yourself how you are, I would say to anyone.
[00:56:58] Unknown:
And I think you're absolutely right. I saw somebody the other day in the swimming pool, and she's 52, and she said, Shelley, it's only now that I accept myself. And I think we've all got this stigma, this idea that we should all be slender and slim. And, you know, I'm I'm 47 years old now, and I think for a few years, I've needed to lose a little bit. But can I be asked? A little bit. Can I give up the wine? No. And it's like, well, just be happy. And lately, I do feel happy, and I think, actually, it's, it's a process, isn't it? You can't I think before, I've I've gone to the gym for a couple of weeks. After 2 weeks, I've not lost anything. It's like, ah, back at this. I'm giving up. But, you know, you could take I think I've got a 6 month membership.
If I don't look any different or feel any different, then I'm out, and it's a big waste of money. But running, you're not spending any money, really, are you? Just a decent ish pair of trainers.
[00:57:48] Unknown:
Yeah. Well, no. I think the biggest motivation is my mom because she's really good. And if if I didn't add my mom, I wouldn't be able to go out in the evenings. So it's nice that my mum's in. She motivates me a lot, and she's quite good at being healthy and all, so it's nice. He's taught me things as well. Yeah.
[00:58:08] Unknown:
Oh, great stuff. Mom and daughter team. Yeah. Well, look, we're coming to the end of the show, Abby. Thank you so much for being a guest on my first show, and, I'm gonna keep beaking at you. Oh, well, thank you for having me. No. You're welcome, and I wish you so much luck, my lovely. And I I'm sure I'll see you in the marathon or something. We'll follow your progress. Oh, thank you so much. Well, fingers crossed I get in. Definitely. Alright, my darling. You take care, and I'll see you out at some point this week. Okay. So yes. Thank you. Bye. Take care. Bye. You you do have to see it to believe it, guys. It is just a wonder to watch someone that happy. You could not look at that and think, who does she think she is? You you just look and you smile, and, we all need a bit more of that in life at the moment.
And that is the aim really of doing this show, to talk to women that bring something into the world, into the community, not miserable stuff. I'm sure I'm gonna talk talk to people that have got sad stories and stuff like that. But as I said, if you think you know anybody that's got a story that you think would be a good guest, please get in touch. If you wanna leave me a voice note, my email address is [email protected]. I will be back same time next week. Have an awesome week, people.
Introduction and Host Welcome
Interview with Hayley Gilbert: Cambourne Children's Clothes Bank
Hayley's Awards and Community Impact
Shoutout to Listeners and Call for Interviews
Life Hacks Segment
Interview with Abby Matthews: Running and Positivity
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
