Charity Builders Complete Back-to-Back Projects in Cambridgeshire and Glasgow

Volunteers from national construction charity Band of Builders have completed two back-to-back home renovation projects 350 miles apart.

In Cambridgeshire, volunteer tradespeople completed a half-finished home extension started by builder Robert Sargent that had ground to a halt when his son Henry was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer. The diagnosis meant that Henry could not go home until his house was a safe and suitable environment while undergoing intensive cancer treatment.

Up north in Ibrox, Glasgow, charity builders installed a walk-in shower to make daily washing safer and more accessible for Archie, an 82-year-old former bricklayer, landscaper and general labourer who has been living with Parkinson’s Disease for eight years.

More than 60 volunteers from the charity got involved to complete the projects.

Henry’s Project

Henry

Henry was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer, in June 2026. He required immediate and intensive chemotherapy and is continuing to undergo treatment, with further cycles planned every three weeks. His immune system is severely compromised, meaning that any rise in temperature results in an immediate hospital admission.

Although Henry is well enough to leave hospital, he was unable to return to home because his current condition is not considered safe or suitable while his immune system remains suppressed. Instead, he has been staying with his grandparents.

Henry’s dad had been building an extension for the family’s four children, but work stopped as the family’s time and energy became consumed by Henry’s treatment and caring responsibilities. The disruption has also had a significant impact on Henry’s three siblings, who have had limited opportunities to spend time with him during his prolonged hospital admissions.

The extension’s structure was already completed, with much of the first-fix electrical and plumbing work installed. The volunteer team tackled the insulation and plasterboarding, wall preparation and plastering, window installation, fitting the new kitchen and the general completion works needed to make the extension ready for the family.

Speaking to volunteers at the handover of the completed project, Henry’s mum Stacey Sargent said that he was so amazed to see his house completed and actually look like a home that he can now safely play in.

Stacey said: “Having Henry home and all the family back together under one roof makes me feel whole again! Henry was very excited to sleep back in his own bed. There are no words to sum up our gratitude for what Band of Builders has done to bring our family back together and provide a safe home for Henry.”

Henry’s project

Archie’s Project

Archie Brown is an 82-year-old former bricklayer, landscaper and general labourer from Glasgow who has been living with Parkinson’s Disease for eight years. It’s a progressive neurological disease that damages the nervous system and leads to shaking, stiffness, and trouble with movement and balance.

As well as battling Parkinson’s Disease, Archie is also recuperating from treatment for skin cancer. The former engineer by trade recently had some cancerous cells removed from his head and had a skin graft to cover the affected area.

Archie and his wife Mary have lived in their marital home for 57 years and Archie’s family are becoming ever-more concerned about his mobility and the challenges he faces moving around the house as slips and falls are common for people with Parkinson’s Disease. The biggest challenge is using the bathroom because he had to climb in and out of the bathtub in order to have a shower.

(L-R) Mary Brown, Archie Brown, John Stewart and Jim Greenwood

This project involved the installation of a walk-in shower to make daily washing safer and more accessible for Archie. He and Mary were flabbergasted at what the three volunteers had completed in week.

Speaking on Archie and Mary’s behalf after they had time for things to sink in, their son-in-law David Crawford said they teared up after seeing their new bathroom.

“Archie didn’t expect the team to do so much, so quickly and to such a high level of craftsmanship,” said David.

“It now means that Archie can continue living independently in his own home in safety. Thank you Band of Builders for what you have done as it means the world to them both.”

Archie’s Project (before and after)

Back-to-Back Projects

The completion of these two projects takes Band of Builders to 55 since it was founded a decade ago.

Band of Builders’ Service Delivery Director Tony Steel, said: “Completing two life-changing projects back-to-back, 350 miles apart, is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the incredible reach and strength of Band of Builders as a national charity.

“Our amazing volunteers have once again gone above and beyond, generously giving their time, skills and expertise, while our sponsors – in this case DEWALT and Plumb Centre – have provided invaluable support to make both projects possible.

“For Henry, it means being safely reunited with his family in their own home, while for Archie, it means greater independence, dignity and safety.

“These projects showcase the very best of our industry – people coming together to make a genuine, lasting difference.”

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