Construction Charity Band of Builders Transforms Garden and Kitchen for Former Joiner

A GLASGOW MAN left with serious injuries after a horror car crash can finally enjoy his garden thanks to the efforts of volunteers from a national construction charity.

Andy Dickson, from Lennoxtown, was involved in a near-fatal car accident in October 2014, leaving him with extensive injuries including a crushed hip and pelvis, as well as breaking all of his ribs and causing internal injuries.

The 56-year-old, who worked as clerk of works and inspector with Glasgow District Council after starting his career as a joiner, suffered multiple complications following the crash which led to him being hospitalised for a year, enduring 26 operations, pneumonia and septic shock.

Andy, who still needs further surgery for ongoing complications, has been left unable to finish several jobs at the home he shares with wife Pamela and their sons Steven, 26, and Craig, 22.

National Construction Charity

A group of volunteers from national construction charity Band of Builders travelled to Lennoxtown to help the family. They finished off the jobs that Andy couldn’t and made the family’s home safe and accessible for him.

Over three days, the team carried out jobs including: levelling and re-laying the lawn; creating a small patio area; relaying flooring in the kitchen and installing a ramp from the back garden into the kitchen in case it is needed in the future.

Emotional Handover

The transformation was revealed to the family in an emotional handover on Sunday. Andy, who had been staying away from the family home for a few days, returned to the Dunfermline Pipe Band playing Highland Cathedral.

Andy’s wife Pamela said: “I’d like to personally thank each and every single volunteer for their help and support – nothing was too much of a problem for them. They arrived first thing in the morning and stayed here late into the evening working hard but through it all there was constant laughter like one big happy family. We’ve made friends for life and we’re forever indebted to them.”

Band of Builders is a registered charity that helps members of the UK construction industry battling illness or injury through the completion of practical projects. The charity is backed by major names within the construction industry, including DeWalt, Jewson, Talasey and Gibbs & Dandy.

The latest project comprised around £25-30,000 of materials and labour and was backed by main sponsor Blue Circle, with materials also provided by Jewson, Lothian DIY, Jordan Hill Garden Supplies, Walk Through Garden Design, Lee Brothers and MKM Building Supplies.

The local community also chipped in to help feed the volunteers, with breakfast, lunch and evening meals provided by local cafes and takeaways – as well as fellow Lennoxtown local Elaine Dunphy, who was previously helped by Band of Builders – to keep them well fuelled.

Ronan Gilchrist, volunteer project lead, said: “It’s been a privilege to lead the team to help Andy and his family. Some of the jobs might seem small to some, but by finishing them off, we’re hoping we’ve taken a weight off the family and created a safe, enjoyable space for Andy to enjoy while he recovers from what has been a horrible time.

“It hasn’t all been plain sailing, with difficulties getting materials and horrendous weather making it challenging at times, but we didn’t let it stop us, and it’s a thrill to see Andy and his family enjoying the garden already.”

>> Read more about the Band of Builders in the news