Volunteer Tradespeople Complete Project for Retired Builder and Wife with Dementia

A RETIRED Bishop’s Stortford builder was overcome with emotion at his first glimpse of the renovations completed by volunteer tradespeople who answered a call for help after the work he was carrying out himself was halted because of a cancer diagnosis.

Mike Shrimpton, a builder for more than 40 years, was carrying out extensive work to create a safe ground-floor space for his wife Christine, who has dementia, when his efforts torpedoed after he was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer.

The couple had been living in a caravan for the past couple of years until national construction charity Band of Builders (BoB) stepped in.

Renovation Project

60 volunteer tradespeople from BoB’s UK-wide community of supporters and local trades answered the call to complete the project in three weeks.

This project involved installing structural steels, completing the first and second fixes on the plumbing and electrics, and installing a new boiler and heating system. The ground floor was insulated and plaster boarded.

A new top-of-the range kitchen was donated by trade kitchen supplier, Howdens and installed by kitchen fitter, Tom Easter.

Externally, the failing flat roof and skylight were replaced, and new patio doors and remedials were needed to the rear of the house.

Joint project leads Kent Taylor and Tracey Healy both took three weeks away from their own businesses to oversee the delivery and completion of this project.

After setting foot in his house for the first time for nearly a month, Mike was full of praise for the charity – which completes practical projects to help members of the UK construction industry and their families who are battling illness or injury.

Speaking to the volunteers about the renovation, Mike said: “The hardest thing for me was to admit that I could’t do it and I can’t believe that people came here to solve someone else’s problem….well, I just can’t find the words to say thank you.

“I’d dug myself into such as hole and I’m so humbled by you all and what you’ve done. It means we can move forward.”

Project Lead, Kent Taylor, commented: “Every project we do, we rise to the challenge and complete projects because of our amazing volunteers, who give their heart and soul to complete projects that are life-changing for the beneficiaries. Mike and Christine no longer have to live in a caravan as they now have a space that they can enjoy and call home.”

Making a Difference

The project, sponsored by DEWALT, is the 48^th project carried out by Band of Builders, which as well as completing practical projects for members of the construction industry, offers wellbeing support, including a text service (text BOB to 85258), and financial help.

Project Sponsor DEWALT’s Senior Brand Manager for the UK + ROI, Tim Winstanley said: “We’re incredibly proud to stand alongside the Band of Builders family to support this life-changing project. The dedication and compassion shown by every volunteer is truly inspiring. Their generosity in giving their time and skill reflects the very best of our industry, and we’re honoured to be able to play our small part in helping make a real difference together.”

Other supporters and sponsors who provided materials for the project included: Reconomy Trade, Jewson Hire, GR8 Hire, Lee Bros, CT1, Sealants, Edmundson Electrical, Plumb City, Professional Carpets, City Plumbing, Okarno, Hancocks Drainage and Building Supplies, SIG roofing, Accuroof, Timco and Travis Perkins.

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