A Starring Role...
We’re sure you’ve heard of BBC’s DIY
SOS, but if you haven’t – why haven’t you? It currently attracts around 6
million viewers to a prime time slot on BBC1 and is about to begin airing its
23rd series. And that’s where we come in…
If you are familiar with the
format you’ll know that the DIY SOS team – presenter Nick Knowles, project
manager Mark Millar, builders Julian & Chris, and, of course, electrician
Billy – enlist the help of local trades to help complete a ‘Big Build’ make
over on a deserving families home. This usually entails some fairly major building
works as well as a top to bottom redecoration. Dijon were asked if we could
help by supplying our time and materials on a local job in Dudley and when we received the details of the project
we were only too happy to help – we were even able to cajole one of our
suppliers into helping out too.
It wasn't all photo ops - we did fit a lovely new floor too!
The Background
Mom, Joanne, works part time as a dinner lady whilst Dad,
Wayne, is a factory butcher; they live in a cramped 3 bedroom ex-council house
with their children - Katie (21), Ginny (9) and Jack (7).
All 3 children are affected by a hereditary condition
called Fragile X Syndrome; this is a genetic condition which causes a range of
developmental problems and cognitive impairment. Youngest son Jack has the most
severe diagnosis; he attends a special school and is likely to never be able to
leave home. Ginny’s condition appears to be deteriorating, she is now showing
signs of autism and they are also looking at getting her transferred to a
special school. Although Katie also suffers with this syndrome she spends most
of her time helping to care for her younger siblings as they require constant
supervision.
The family desperately needs more space; Ginny and
Jack currently share a bedroom which due to their condition is very detrimental
to both children. Joanne and Wayne re-mortgaged the house and began a two
storey extension but funds have dried up. They have been spending all their
spare time trying to finish the job themselves but lack of skills means the
house still very unfinished.
A Little Sneak
Preview
Reveal Day
We went back to lacquer the nose of the solid oak steps once filming was over and everyone was off site.
Last one - the bottom step receives its coating of lacquer.
Derek with Joanne and her new kitchen floor.
Another shot of the new flooring.