Band of Builders (BoB) has installed a new roof in a Victorian home for the parents of an eight-year-old boy, who is in remission from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
After being diagnosed in 2022, Ben Firth was initially unable to leave hospital and return to his home. The house was being renovated by his dad, Richard, because the damp, mould and dust had the potential to cause complications.
Richard is self-taught in a number of trades and worked to tackle issues such as large amounts of mould and damp. He admitted that he has been “too proud” to ask for help, as the new apex roof to make the house watertight is beyond his capabilities.
The stress of the renovation has impacted Richard’s mental health, and at the suggestion of their psychologist, he and wife Alison put out a plea for help to BoB.
BoB responded to the family’s plea and called on its 50,000 community of volunteers, supporters and corporate supporters for help with the project, which was sponsored by SIG Roofing.
A dozen specialist roofers answered the call and volunteered their time for free and completed the charity’s 44th project in three days.
In a thank you message to the charity, the couple stated: “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 said: “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.”
Lotty Pritchard, marketing director at SIG Roofing said that as well as sponsoring the project, SIG Roofing has supplied the materials for it.
Lotty added: “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.”
BoB also thanked other suppliers including Jewson for tool hire, Edmondson Electrical and Reconomy Trade.
