Roofers Volunteer to Install New Roof for Boy in Cancer Remission

A GROUP of volunteer roofers have installed a new roof to stop the leaks and damp at the home of an eight-year-old boy recovering from cancer.

After being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2022, Ben Firth was initially unable to leave hospital and return to his home – which is being renovated by his dad, Richard – because the damp, mould and dust had the potential to cause complications.

Richard, Alison and Ben Firth

Richard and wife Alison said they bought the house as a ‘forever home’ with big plans to renovate it themselves but the continual water damage caused by a leaking roof meant they faced a constant battle to achieve a sense of completion.

Whilst Richard, who is self-taught in a number of trades, worked incredibly hard tackling large amounts of mould and damp, he admitted that he was “too proud” to ask for help, as the new apex roof to make the house watertight was beyond his capabilities.

The stress of the renovation impacted Richard’s mental health, and at the suggestion of their psychologist, he and Alison put out a plea for help to construction charity, Band of Builders (BoB).

New Roof

BoB responded to the family’s plea and called on its 50,000-strong community of volunteers, supporters and corporate supporters for help with the project.

A dozen specialist roofers answered the call and volunteered their time for free to complete the project in just three days. Roofing materials were supplied by the project’s sponsor, SIG Roofing.

Lotty Pritchard, Marketing Director at SIG Roofing, commented: “This week was special as we worked with the Band of Builders on Ben’s project, and the result is just outstanding.

“Our SIG Roofing branch in York delivered all the roofing materials to site, including anthracite roofing tiles, membranes, roofing battens and accessories so the volunteer roofers could get on with the job in hand. This delivery was followed up with five solar panels and all fixing accessories to ensure that the new roof provides free energy to the Firth’s renovated family home.

“The tradespeople did an excellent job installing the new roof and solar panels, and we are delighted to have been part of a project that will make the Firths’ home life all the more enjoyable.”

New Chapter

After more than two years of daily treatment, Ben is finally in remission. In a heartfelt thank you message to the charity, Richard and Alison said: “We are overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity you have shown. It’s been an emotional few days but the energy and enthusiasm you all brought gave us a lift we never really expected.

“It’s been a pleasure to watch experts at work who have a genuine love for their craft and to witness what can be achieved when real heroes come together and do something good.”

Richard added: “You’ve lifted the weight of the world from my shoulders. I’ve watched my son show staggering bravery to beat an awful disease for the past three years. I’ve lived in awe of him, trying to give him the safe home he deserves, but there were challenges I couldn’t overcome alone. You guys have stepped up and done what I couldn’t, so we can close this chapter of our lives and move on.”

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