Helping hands are being sought to create the dream home for an Ipswich builder and his young family following his cancer diagnosis.
Jay House, 49, began working on an extension to his family home in 2022 – although work was forced to halt two years later after he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that caused his spine to collapse.
National charity Band of Builders is now supporting him, his wife and their four children in their efforts to complete the two-storey extension.
Gavin Crane, CEO at Band of Builders, said: “Once we heard Jay’s story, we knew we had to get involved and help him get his dream home project over the line.
“The house has been left a building site, and the ground-floor work has meant the family have been left without a functioning kitchen.
“For the last 18 months, they have managed with a makeshift kitchen unit on wheels with an air fryer, portable hob, washing machine and dishwasher – but no sink.”
Jay, a keen sportsman, is no stranger to resilience – having already undergone a below-the-knee amputation 10 years ago following recurring injuries from a cross-country race in the 1990s.
His life was also saved by air ambulance crews following a bike crash in Cornwall in 1991.
His cancer – multiple myeloma – was identified after he suffered continued back pain. Ten of his vertebrae later fused, causing him to lose five inches in height.
During this period, he also lost a third of his body weight – which saw him drop to 60kg.
While his cancer is now under control following chemotherapy, he is unable to lift anything heavier than 10kg.
Gavin added: “This project will focus on completing the work that Jay is now unable to complete himself.
“Internally, the remains of the old kitchen need to be ripped out and the space turned into a dining area. The proposed new kitchen will be 3.6 m wide x 3.9 m long and will feature an island.
“It will require wall units, all double-pane doors, two single ovens and a 900-watt electric hob. It will also include the creation of a pantry.
“Other work required includes installing radiators, relocating light switches and sockets, levelling the floor heights, plastering and boarding, and installing the hard flooring.
“We are calling on anyone willing to lend a hand to get involved and help change this amazing family’s lives.”
Trades required to help on the project include roofers, plumbers, electricians, dryliners, plasterers, renderers, kitchen fitters, chippies, decorators and hard floor fitters.
Those able to help Jay can register their interest in the project here.
