Dozens of tradespeople have rallied around the family of a four-year-old boy from Cambridgeshire and his family to help him return home from cancer treatment.
Band of Builders called out for volunteers to help transform the home of Ely youngster Henry Sargent, who was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma in June.
His father, Robert, had been working on an extension to the family home before his diagnosis – although work had stalled so he could spend more time with Henry.
While Henry has been well enough to leave hospital, he was unable to return home as it was not deemed safe or suitable while his immune system remains suppressed.
The Band of Brothers team were quick to jump to the family’s aid to help complete the extension, with works including plasterboarding, installing windows and fitting a new kitchen.
He moved back earlier in October following the build’s completion.
Henry’s mum, Stacey Sargent, said: “Having Henry home and all the family back together under one roof makes me feel whole again!
“Henry was very excited to sleep back in his own bed.
“There are no words to sum up our gratitude for what Band of Builders has done to bring our family back together and provide a safe home for Henry.”
Henry is now enjoying life back at home with his family and is continuing to undergo chemotherapy every three weeks.
The work on Henry’s home came before Band of Builders quickly turned to their 55th project, 350 miles away in Glasgow for 82-year-old former labourer Archie Brown, who lives with Parkinson’s Disease.
Altogether, 60 volunteers supported both projects, with further help provided by sponsors DEWALT and Plumb Centre.
Reflecting on the projects, Tony Steel, Service Delivery Director at Band of Builders, said: “Completing two life-changing projects back-to-back, 350 miles apart, is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates the incredible reach and strength of Band of Builders as a national charity.
“Our amazing volunteers have once again gone above and beyond, generously giving their time, skills and expertise, while our sponsors – in this case DEWALT and Plumb Centre – have provided invaluable support to make both projects possible.
“For Henry, it means being safely reunited with his family in their own home, while for Archie, it means greater independence, dignity and safety.
“These projects showcase the very best of our industry – people coming together to make a genuine, lasting difference.”
