Trades Volunteers Rally to Finish Renovation after Tragic Death

A NORFOLK WIDOW and mother of six has described a group of volunteer tradespeople as “superheroes” after they rallied round to complete the renovations that her husband had started before his tragic death on Christmas Eve.

Electrician Shaun Fletcher died in December 2023 after an ongoing battle with mental ill health. The 44-year-old husband and father was in the process of completing a house renovation, which was being carried out to make the home more accessible for their son Toby, who was born with complex health conditions.

16-year-old Toby was born 13 weeks premature, and has spent his life dealing with conditions such as quadriplegic cerebral palsy, dystonia and deafness. This has resulted in Toby relying on tube-feeding and requiring 24/7 palliative care.

His ground-floor bedroom was left unusable, leading to mum Sarah having to carry him upstairs every night.

House Renovation Legacy

Band of Builders was contacted to help complete the renovation. Over 150 tradespeople from across the UK united to complete the emotional project which Shaun sadly never got to finish.

In just 12 short days, the construction industry volunteers managed to completely transform the entire house, with a brand-new bedroom for Toby, accessible bathrooms, plumbing and electrics completion, and full landscaping of the front and back gardens.

“Toby’s room is incredible – and now we can finally get proper overnight care for him,” said Sarah. “We’ve been living on a building site for years, and I still can’t believe what’s been done in such a short space of time. This home is a legacy for Shaun and now we can start to heal.”

Toby’s newly renovated room

“This was the biggest project we’ve ever delivered, not just in scale, but in meaning,” said Gavin Crane, CEO of Band of Builders. “Finishing what Shaun started was emotional for all of us. Mental health affects so many in our industry, and this build brought out the very best of what we can do when we come together as a trade.”

Evening meals, site brews, and materials were donated by supporters from across the community and construction sector, showing the spirit of togetherness in the trade.

“You’re all superheroes,” Sarah told the volunteers at the end-of-project handover. “This house is more than bricks and mortar – it’s peace of mind, a fresh start, and a fitting tribute to Shaun.”

To support future projects or get involved as a volunteer, visit Band of Builders.

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