BBC One DIY SOS Leicester
Series 33 – Episode 1 – Friday 3rd October – 8pm
Earlier this year I had the privilege and joy of taking part in an episode of BBC One’s DIY SOS program. For the uninitiated, the program aims to transform the houses of families who don’t have the resources or knowledge to adapt their homes when a member of their family has a disability or genetic condition.
The Leicester project took place in Aylestone at the home of eight-year-old Isla who was born with Mandibuloacral Dysplasia, a rare genetic disorder that makes her bones brittle and causes her to age prematurely. The main aim was to adapt the house to meet Isla’s specific needs, including a downstairs bathroom and lower light switches and door handles to improve her independence. Needless to say, the DIY SOS team didn’t stop at that and within eight days the house had been virtually gutted and rebuilt. To find out more details of the transformation tune in to BBC on Friday 3rd October at 8pm.
Another interesting fact regarding this programme is that virtually everyone involved gives of their time for free. Plumbers, electricians, heating engineers, roofers, general volunteers, all work without pay. The materials for the build are also provided free of charge by local businesses. What was particularly pleasing for the Leicester project was that there was an overwhelming community response, with an exceptionally high number of volunteers and tradespeople getting involved, resulting in a record number of responses to the appeal for help. Nick Knowles the presenter of the programme stated that they had received almost 1000 offers of help and that it was one of his favourite builds ever.
I was a general volunteer and spent my days doing a variety of activities i.e. sweeping the floor and cleaning up after the tradespeople, trundling around the site with a wheelbarrow full of rubbish or building materials, digging up the drive, painting a pergola etc. I lost count of the number and variety of tasks I was asked to undertake but I would do it all again. The atmosphere throughout the project was amazing. The camaraderie very special. Even the neighbours played their part. Daily we were given home baked goodies, biscuits, cakes, muffins and one evening we were even treated to fish and chips.
I felt it was an honour to play even the smallest part in making a real difference in Isla’s life and found the whole experience deeply rewarding. I would encourage anyone to take part in this program, should the opportunity arise. The DIY SOS team are always on the lookout for new projects. So, if you know of someone with a disability here in Evington who could do with some help with their home, why not nominate them?
Gerry Goode
