0:00:02 > 0:00:03Hello and welcome to the show.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06This week, we're coming to you from Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09We're here for a very special SOS,
0:00:09 > 0:00:13because hundreds of people have written in to us asking for help
0:00:13 > 0:00:19for just one family and on that basis, well, how could we refuse?
0:00:19 > 0:00:21We're here to help a mother who made
0:00:21 > 0:00:23an incredible promise to her best friend...
0:00:23 > 0:00:25She said, "I'm scared for my life."
0:00:25 > 0:00:28And I knew we were losing her and then she said,
0:00:28 > 0:00:31"Would you have the children?"
0:00:31 > 0:00:32..to help a family of nine,
0:00:32 > 0:00:35struggling in a house that's bursting at the seams.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38Space is the difficulty we do have as a family.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40We're all squashed together.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42The house is too small.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44But we can't do it alone.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48Luckily, we have an army of local tradesmen here to help.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57It's nice to work for a family which truly deserves it.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00The best thing for the kids is definitely to keep them together.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02Who wouldn't want to be a part of it, you know?
0:01:04 > 0:01:06You know what this is. It's DIY SOS...
0:01:06 > 0:01:09ALL: The Big Build!
0:01:09 > 0:01:11CHEERING
0:01:20 > 0:01:23Three years ago, single mum Julie thought she'd found
0:01:23 > 0:01:28the perfect home for her three boys - Adam, Peter and Christian.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31When I bought this house, it was just amazing.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35I thought, after lots of moves in our past,
0:01:35 > 0:01:37this was the time that we could settle.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40The boys would have their own bedrooms
0:01:40 > 0:01:42and this was our forever home.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46I said, "We don't need to move anymore." This was going to be it.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49And as she was so happy, she looked forward to inviting
0:01:49 > 0:01:52best friend Caroline and her family to come and visit
0:01:52 > 0:01:54and see the house.
0:01:55 > 0:01:56Caroline was a lovely girl.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59We met when we were 11 on our first day of secondary school.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03As we did grow up and we married and we had our children,
0:02:03 > 0:02:07she would come with Dave and the children for holidays,
0:02:07 > 0:02:10so the children would have picnics and we'd go to the beach.
0:02:10 > 0:02:15So we shared some real happy memories of our babies growing up together.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20We have pictures of my mum and dad so we can remember them.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24This is a picture of Mummy going to school with Julie.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28That's our dad, there.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32Caroline and Julie thought they'd be close friends
0:02:32 > 0:02:34for years and years to come,
0:02:34 > 0:02:39but in April 2009, everything came to a sudden halt.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44JULIE: Caroline was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46A very aggressive kind.
0:02:46 > 0:02:51So, along with Dave, her husband, I knew we were losing her.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54That was just absolutely terrible.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59Caroline's illness left them all reeling, but only eight months
0:02:59 > 0:03:03after her diagnosis, the unthinkable happened.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07JULIE: Her husband, Dave, collapsed and died.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10He had a massive brain haemorrhage and died
0:03:10 > 0:03:13while he was out Christmas shopping with Caroline.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15It would have been their last Christmas together as a family.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20With Caroline given only a few months to live,
0:03:20 > 0:03:24they were forced to consider the worst.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27JULIE: Losing Dave was just totally out of the blue
0:03:27 > 0:03:31and it was during that time that she said, "I'm scared for my life."
0:03:31 > 0:03:34I said, "Don't worry, you'll be fine."
0:03:34 > 0:03:36And she said, "What about the children?"
0:03:36 > 0:03:38I said, "They'll be OK as well."
0:03:38 > 0:03:41And then she said, "Would you have them?"
0:03:41 > 0:03:45I said, "We'll call it plan B. Everybody needs a plan B."
0:03:50 > 0:03:54Only three months later, plan B became a reality.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59I think it was hard for her to cope with the fact
0:03:59 > 0:04:01that her best friend had died.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06I think she grieved quietly and on her own,
0:04:06 > 0:04:10but she really pulled it together for the kids, in front of them.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13It was left to Julie to tell the children -
0:04:13 > 0:04:17Michael, Kieran, James, Emma and Chantelle.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20I just said to them, "Mummy has died today."
0:04:20 > 0:04:25I said, "She's gone to heaven, so she's with Jesus and the angels."
0:04:25 > 0:04:29I said, "She isn't poorly anymore, but she's not coming back to us.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31"She won't be coming home."
0:04:32 > 0:04:38And they just sat - dazed, shocked.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49Two years on and Julie and her boys
0:04:49 > 0:04:54welcomed Caroline and Dave's five to become a unique family of nine.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58There's really only one way to do this. In ascending order, we have...
0:05:06 > 0:05:08They're all growing up
0:05:08 > 0:05:11and Julie's four bed house is no longer big enough.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19Pretty busy around the house.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21Meal times are difficult for Mum, obviously.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24The kitchen's just far too small.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27Obviously, we can't all sit around our kitchen table.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30JULIE: I can't even fit chairs in there. It's stools.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33So usually we eat two or three at a time.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35JULIE: We've got one bathroom.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38And that is a nightmare, as well.
0:05:38 > 0:05:39Showers, yeah.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42There's always hot water running out and everything.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44Three boys in one bedroom.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46I sleep on this bed here.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48I sleep on this bed.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50I sleep on this bed.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52The bedroom's not big.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Sharing this room is horrible.
0:05:55 > 0:05:56There's nowhere to do homework.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00I'll go to library during lunch to do it instead.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03'Our one communal living space is the lounge,'
0:06:03 > 0:06:05which becomes a bedroom for Adam when he's home.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09The girls have been using the dining room as their bedroom.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11We keep getting into each other's way.
0:06:11 > 0:06:12I think the house is too small.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15To, like, try and make sure we find whatever time
0:06:15 > 0:06:17we can have by ourselves.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19We're all squashed together.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23It's always chaos around Christmas time and birthdays.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26JULIE: Space is the difficulty we do have as a family.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33Your house is actually in better condition
0:06:33 > 0:06:36than most of the houses we get to work in.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38It's actually quite a nice little house, isn't it?
0:06:38 > 0:06:40I love this house, yeah. I do love the house.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42I've put a lot of time and energy in myself,
0:06:42 > 0:06:44trying to do little bits and pieces.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47But it's not quite big enough for all the children, though.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50That's the issue, isn't it? It's space, rather than how it looks.
0:06:50 > 0:06:51Is it going to be all right,
0:06:51 > 0:06:54cos you've put a lot of love into this house, and now
0:06:54 > 0:06:57we have to kind of take it apart in order to make it bigger for you?
0:06:57 > 0:07:00But it needs to be a nice, big, spacious family home.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02We need to be able to fit in here comfortably.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07- I would love to have a kitchen that we can all sit in.- Right.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11Sit around a table, just old-fashioned kind of stuff, really.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14You just need more rooms, really, don't you?
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- It's just the space. More rooms. - So you spread the kids out.
0:07:17 > 0:07:18Yeah, spread out.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23'To help me understand the issues Julie and the kids face,
0:07:23 > 0:07:25'yes, you guessed it...' In you come, everyone.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29'..we're going to pile everyone into the one room.'
0:07:29 > 0:07:31- It's busy, isn't it? - Just a little bit, yeah.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34It must just feel crowded all the time with everything you do?
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Yeah, there's not really much space for anyone on their own, really.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40There's always two people to a room.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Except the bathroom and sometimes with the girls,
0:07:42 > 0:07:45- they like to share the bath. - I hadn't thought about that.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47The queue for the bathroom, in the morning...
0:07:47 > 0:07:49Horrific. Really bad, yeah.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53In terms of just making life easier on a day to day basis, what do you guys need?
0:07:53 > 0:07:55Just a bigger kitchen would be helpful.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58Just a bedroom or two more. A bit more space, generally.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- Another bathroom would be handy, wouldn't it?- Oh, yeah.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- Might ease the queue.- Definitely.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05Right, so we need to clear you guys out
0:08:05 > 0:08:08so that we can get my builders in and get started.
0:08:08 > 0:08:09There you go, there you go.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11MUSIC: "Match Of The Day" by Barry Stoller
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- What's your name?- James. - Hi, James, I'm Billy.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16How many others are there?
0:08:16 > 0:08:17Hello there.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- What's your name? - Hello.- Good to meet you.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22It's like the start of the FA Cup final, isn't it,
0:08:22 > 0:08:25when the teams meet at the beginning, don't you think?
0:08:25 > 0:08:26Your hands are all freezing!
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- See you, guys! We'll see soon! - Bye!- See you later. Cheers!
0:08:31 > 0:08:33'Touched by Julie's story, the local trades have
0:08:33 > 0:08:36'volunteered in their droves and we're going to need them.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40'We've got just nine days to design, build and dress 14 rooms.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43'This dressing business is harder than it looks, though.'
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Just so that you know, I've got two pairs of black boots.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48When I chucked them in the car yesterday...
0:08:48 > 0:08:49MEN LAUGH
0:08:49 > 0:08:52..I got the left of one and the right of another,
0:08:52 > 0:08:55so I'm off to get myself a pair of boots as soon as possible.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59So, I think that's concluded all of our chat.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- Shall we hit it?- ALL: Yeah! - Up for doing this?
0:09:01 > 0:09:04Thanks very much, ladies and gentlemen! Have a good week.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18For Billy and the electricians, it's all about prioritising jobs.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20What's our main aim now?
0:09:20 > 0:09:22Main aim now is to get some temporary power on,
0:09:22 > 0:09:25so we can get the cabins and everything up and running.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27Let's get this temporary power on for the caterers,
0:09:27 > 0:09:29so everybody can get fed and watered.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33- And then what about...?- First order of the day - tea urn and food.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- Have you got kids?- Yes, I have. - How many?- Four kids.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- You got quite a few, as well. - Yes.- Fancy doubling up to eight?
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Not really, no. It's a big job, isn't it?
0:09:48 > 0:09:49Get these walls all made good...
0:09:49 > 0:09:52For build manager Mark, staying ahead of the game is vital.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54- Going very quick, isn't it? - Absolutely brilliant.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57We've only been here 15 minutes, John's got all this in the ground.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00What - 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 piles in the ground.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- Yes, but it hasn't gone in in 15 minutes. - We've been here 15 minutes.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06No, in the BBC, we aren't allowed to do that kind of thing
0:10:06 > 0:10:09where we pretend things have happened very quickly.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12'Me, the guardian of truth and honesty,
0:10:12 > 0:10:13'who'd have thought it?
0:10:13 > 0:10:16'John's team have been working on site for two days already,
0:10:16 > 0:10:18'giving us the head start we need.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22'But Julian is still working out his plan of action.'
0:10:22 > 0:10:26This box is coming off and I'm going to mark it all up on the walls
0:10:26 > 0:10:30and see whether it's feasible or possible or logical.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- Or...- # Physical... #
0:10:33 > 0:10:35Or physical or reasonable, even.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- # Physical... # - '# Physical... #
0:10:37 > 0:10:41'Each one of our army of trades has given up their time to be here,
0:10:41 > 0:10:44'and they're tripping over each other to get the job done.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47'But it's not just the trades who get behind the project.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50'Julie's friends, Sandra and Sandy, are here to show their support.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53'Well, for one member of the team, at least.'
0:10:53 > 0:10:55Lovely to see you!
0:10:57 > 0:10:58Tell me about it. Stud.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- We bought you these, because we think you're the star.- They're gorgeous.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- I can't believe it's Billy! - She loves you, Billy.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- Will you sign my T-shirt for me? - Course I will.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11You know where the G's going to finish, don't you?
0:11:11 > 0:11:12Go for it.
0:11:12 > 0:11:17So, that's Billy, Jules and Mark accounted for. One more to go.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20At first glance, it looks all right, but when you start looking at it,
0:11:20 > 0:11:23it really is in need of a bit of a spruce up.
0:11:25 > 0:11:26Board sprucing up.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30'Sprucing up? That's not exactly a technical term, is it, Chris?
0:11:30 > 0:11:32'Thankfully, he isn't our designer.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34'That honour goes to our very own Gabrielle Blackman.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36'She's a veteran of these big builds and brings her own
0:11:36 > 0:11:41'brand of passionate design in stages as we go along.'
0:11:41 > 0:11:44I think I'm being quite low-maintenance today, though, don't you think?
0:11:44 > 0:11:45'She's high maintenance,
0:11:45 > 0:11:49'with a real flair for maximising the space available.'
0:11:49 > 0:11:52What's the whole deal for you here with this conversion we're doing?
0:11:52 > 0:11:54It's two things, really. We've got to make it...
0:11:54 > 0:11:56It's got to suit this large number of people,
0:11:56 > 0:11:59so it's got to be practical and it's got to suit them all.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01But also, I'm really aware these children
0:12:01 > 0:12:02have had a really difficult time.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04I want to make each one feel special,
0:12:04 > 0:12:07like we've really looked after them, and looked at them as individuals,
0:12:07 > 0:12:10but at the same time, this house has got to work for everyone.
0:12:11 > 0:12:12So, this is the plan.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15We're going to add a one-storey extension to
0:12:15 > 0:12:18the back of the house, to create the kitchen space Julie has always
0:12:18 > 0:12:22dreamed of and a dining table big enough for them all sit around.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24The living room will be revamped,
0:12:24 > 0:12:27to give Julie a classy area to entertain friends.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30And, to make the best use best use of every available inch,
0:12:30 > 0:12:32we're going to transform the garage
0:12:32 > 0:12:36from one big, cluttered storage space, into three rooms -
0:12:36 > 0:12:38a large family bathroom, utility room
0:12:38 > 0:12:41and a study space for the kids to do their homework.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Downstairs will now house the older boys
0:12:44 > 0:12:45with bedrooms for two of them
0:12:45 > 0:12:47where the kitchen and dining room used to be,
0:12:47 > 0:12:50meaning the upstairs, the five youngest will
0:12:50 > 0:12:55fit into three redesigned bedrooms and Julie's own room with en suite,
0:12:55 > 0:13:01will become an oasis of calm and tranquillity, away from the madness.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04And Gabrielle's got something special in mind for the garden, too.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08This corner that we've sort of marked off here,
0:13:08 > 0:13:10why are we digging a hole here?
0:13:10 > 0:13:14We're going to put a really beautiful garden room here for Adam.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16We couldn't make the house quite as big as we wanted,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19so we need to have another bedroom, somehow.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22So it's going to be like a glorified garden shed? A posh sort of garden shed?
0:13:22 > 0:13:24I knew you were going to say that, Nick!
0:13:24 > 0:13:28It's going to be a lovely garden room.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Cedar clad, amazing windows, heated, warm and beautiful.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34We've got to do quite a complicated lighting scheme with Billy out here.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36He'll look forward to that, won't he?
0:13:36 > 0:13:38He looked quite cross about it, I think.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41My view is just pile it all on him early, get him really miserable
0:13:41 > 0:13:43on the first day, then he thinks it can only get better after that.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46I might try that as a technique today, see if it works.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49'And people accuse me of stirring things up.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52'I have no idea what they mean.'
0:13:52 > 0:13:54We need an 18 inch trench dug all the way through.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- How deep?- 18 inches.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- That's 18 inches, is it?- Yes.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02He's got a tape measure in his hand, as well.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05Yeah, slightly different, isn't it?
0:14:05 > 0:14:08'Billy's measuring might be more like guesswork,
0:14:08 > 0:14:10'but Julian is still sizing up the garage.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13'Three rooms into one is a tricky equation.'
0:14:13 > 0:14:15Shower room comes to there.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20And there's two doorways got to go in here, but I think
0:14:20 > 0:14:24they must have miscalculated for that, because that can't come out.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27That's load-bearing these lintels.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29Your door strikes on that pillar.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32Damn it.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34You see how you've got your utility,
0:14:34 > 0:14:37which is a worktop, sink, worktop and space?
0:14:37 > 0:14:39Could you take that worktop service
0:14:39 > 0:14:41off there and have a door that way?
0:14:41 > 0:14:45'This is the key to getting all the downstairs right - listening to me.'
0:14:45 > 0:14:48Worktop, worktop for those two spaces,
0:14:48 > 0:14:52so the first door opens like that and the second door opens like that.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55'He's not listening properly, is he?'
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- Then utility... - THEY LAUGH
0:14:58 > 0:15:00Rubbish idea. It's a rubbish idea.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05How about we have a utility/ shower room combination?
0:15:05 > 0:15:06That I like.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- That I like.- Very good.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10'OK, so that's why Gabrielle is the designer
0:15:10 > 0:15:12and I'm just a lowly presenter.'
0:15:14 > 0:15:16- Flowers. - JULIE: And sunflowers.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19Ever since Julie adopted the children two years ago,
0:15:19 > 0:15:23they've planted flowers in memory of their mum, Caroline.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27To make sure we get the new garden right,
0:15:27 > 0:15:32Gabrielle wants the girls to have a part in shaping it.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36Emma, if you can choose me a tall, purply-blue one.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39Do you think your mum would approve of those?
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- These ones?- I like that.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43With eight children in your house,
0:15:43 > 0:15:46the garden must be so important to you.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50The garden is really, really important. We use every inch of it.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54'We're out there weekends, after-school, holidays.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57'It's a really happy place for the children to be.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00'They can talk about Mummy, because we do call it Mummy's Garden.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03'And we decided Daddy would have the garden shed and it just
0:16:03 > 0:16:07'gives the children the chance to ask questions if they want to.'
0:16:07 > 0:16:10I just think gardening's a really optimistic thing to do, anyway.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13And I just thought remembering Caroline through the garden,
0:16:13 > 0:16:15it's what she would have wanted.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19She would have been happy, I think, knowing that she lives on
0:16:19 > 0:16:21through the garden.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23Everything you do seems to have a really light touch about it
0:16:23 > 0:16:26and you seem like such a happy family unit.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29They are wonderful children.
0:16:29 > 0:16:34- They've done so well to come to terms in the way that they have done.- Yeah.
0:16:34 > 0:16:35They're very positive.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38You've got so many boys in your life.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40Is it quite nice to have a couple of little girls?
0:16:40 > 0:16:42It is lovely to have girls, yes.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44The boys adore them,
0:16:44 > 0:16:48because they're just so cheerful and bright and breezy.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51They bring a lot of laughter and happiness to the family.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55They make us complete. Certainly with me, I adore them, as I do them all.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57They're very special.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00Everything seems to be really organised and tidy, actually, in your house.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03I'm a mother myself, to only two children.
0:17:03 > 0:17:04Do you have any time to relax?
0:17:05 > 0:17:07When I get into bed.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09THEY LAUGH
0:17:11 > 0:17:12Take that one?
0:17:12 > 0:17:15Let's go and get these amazing plants, shall we?
0:17:15 > 0:17:17You're getting a bit cold, aren't you?
0:17:19 > 0:17:21Back across town,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24it's incredible what's been achieved in only a few hours.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26And you know, keeping morale up isn't hard.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28This is a site fuelled by goodwill.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31All right? Happy?
0:17:31 > 0:17:33Why have you guys decided to join in and help out?
0:17:33 > 0:17:35It's a good cause, isn't it? It's fantastic.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39Read about it, heard about it locally, and I'm really pleased to be a part of it.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41It must take a really special person, you know?
0:17:41 > 0:17:44I heard about it through the grapevine and through the family, as well.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47Who wouldn't want to be a part of it, you know? Being a local person, as well.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- Who's your gaffer? Or do you not have a gaffer? - We haven't got one here.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52It's cooperative, is it?
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- Teamwork makes the dream work. - Is that right?
0:17:54 > 0:17:57MUSIC: "A Punk" by Vampire Weekend
0:17:57 > 0:17:59Not sure what's going on here,
0:17:59 > 0:18:02but four men and one traffic cone reminds me of my student days.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05Although that looks a pretty ugly cocktail.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07What they're doing is pouring a rapid set cement in there.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10and what it does is it fills up all the inside of the beams
0:18:10 > 0:18:11and the beams become a solid structure.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15They lay the floor on top and that adds to the strength of the building.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Really good system.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21Really good and pretty darn quick, too.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25# Ay, ay, ay. #
0:18:25 > 0:18:27Inside, the house has changed,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30but it's out the back we've really raced along.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35Another roof truss to come onto the top
0:18:35 > 0:18:38of what is our new extension.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41Come through, you can have a look. Come on, come with me.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43What's amazing about this is today,
0:18:43 > 0:18:45when we arrived - this is the end of the first day -
0:18:45 > 0:18:48and there was nothing here and now we actually have a base
0:18:48 > 0:18:51and most of the extension done.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55People often say to us, "How can you do what you do in just nine days?"
0:18:55 > 0:18:57And the reason is because we have people who can
0:18:57 > 0:19:01put a base down and build the greater part of an extension
0:19:01 > 0:19:03in just one day.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08Mind you, even I'm still amazed by this kind of thing.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16NICK YAWNS
0:19:16 > 0:19:19Beautiful morning in Huntingdon, but don't be fooled.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22Every day on-site is fraught with difficult issues.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Are you actually going to come and do something today?
0:19:24 > 0:19:26I am, it's just that yesterday,
0:19:26 > 0:19:28the hard hat had just completely ruined by hair.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31It makes you look like an idiot when your hair goes all flat.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- Look at poor Gabi and her hair. - What?
0:19:34 > 0:19:37We're just saying about how the hard hats ruin your hair.
0:19:37 > 0:19:38I haven't put my hat on yet.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40Oh. That looks magnificent, doesn't it?
0:19:40 > 0:19:42I think you might have just put your foot in it.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45Yes.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48Day two and we're tackling the main problem for this family - bedrooms.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51Julie's eldest has been camping on the sofa when he comes back
0:19:51 > 0:19:54from uni, so having his own room again will make a huge difference.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56'Only problem is, well...'
0:19:56 > 0:19:57Well done, boys.
0:19:57 > 0:19:58'There's a problem.'
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- Did you order this?- Yep.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02- The amount?- Yep.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05Have you noticed anything about this floor that might be
0:20:05 > 0:20:07- something of an error?- Yep.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13- I mucked up, didn't I? Didn't order enough.- Little bit.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15It's only a barrel full, but...
0:20:16 > 0:20:18It's a little short, I would say.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- What are you shuffling in next lady for?- Sorry?
0:20:21 > 0:20:22What you shuffling...
0:20:23 > 0:20:25'Slippery little devil, isn't he?
0:20:25 > 0:20:28'Come back here and take your ridicule like a man!
0:20:29 > 0:20:31'On a job this big,
0:20:31 > 0:20:34'the pressure is on our designer to produce the goods.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37'Now, normally, she'd be a frantic ball of ginger anxiety,
0:20:37 > 0:20:39'but on this one she has a secret weapon.'
0:20:40 > 0:20:43We've got so much carpentry and joinery to do and
0:20:43 > 0:20:46what I always get told is, "We don't have the men, we don't have the men,
0:20:46 > 0:20:48"You can't have anybody to help you,"
0:20:48 > 0:20:50and we end up really compromising.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53And every little bit of space that I can make for these guys,
0:20:53 > 0:20:55every shelf, is so important.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58And, um... So you are so important, Keith.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01So I've bypassed the whole system and I've asked Keith
0:21:01 > 0:21:04to come and help only me.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06And so you're only allowed to talk to me and nobody else.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08Anybody small and Irish who approaches you,
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- just don't listen to them. - That's fine.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14'What's she writing? What's she writing on the hat?
0:21:14 > 0:21:15'What is it?'
0:21:15 > 0:21:19- I'm just worried that's a bit rude. Is that all right?- That's fine.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21- I can't see it.- Yeah? That's good.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24'You can't own a workman! That's slavery!'
0:21:24 > 0:21:29MUSIC: "The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac
0:21:29 > 0:21:32'With eldest, Adam, away at uni it's rare that all six
0:21:32 > 0:21:35'of Julie's boys get to enjoy a day out together.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39'I want to find out how and the last two years have been for them,
0:21:39 > 0:21:44'but first there's time for some healthy, brotherly competition.'
0:21:57 > 0:21:59I was interested to know
0:21:59 > 0:22:02when the five joined you to make eight of you, plus your mum,
0:22:02 > 0:22:05at the time, were you like, "What's going on?"
0:22:05 > 0:22:08At the start, we were probably trying too hard with them, I guess.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11They're brothers and sisters to us now, so you can give them
0:22:11 > 0:22:15a clip around the ear and that, it's just messing around, isn't it?
0:22:15 > 0:22:18Just keep it natural and down-to-earth
0:22:18 > 0:22:21and then they feel more comfortable, don't they?
0:22:21 > 0:22:23We all like to support Mum, really.
0:22:23 > 0:22:28When she explained to us what was happening, it's bigger than us.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31Were they really close friends, your mum and Caroline?
0:22:31 > 0:22:34Yeah. The hardest thing was, like, my mum had to keep on with the kids
0:22:34 > 0:22:37and everything, but her friend had died.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40She had no time to think about it, no time to be on her own
0:22:40 > 0:22:41and grieve for her.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43It happened so fast.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47And she sees the kids every day, reminding her of Caroline,
0:22:47 > 0:22:49so it works through that.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- And what's it like having girls in the house?- Really strange.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55Really weird, cos obviously we grew up together,
0:22:55 > 0:22:57it was male-orientated,
0:22:57 > 0:23:00everything we did was football and stuff like that.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- And punch-ups.- Yeah, pretty much.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05All of a sudden, two girls are here and you've got to
0:23:05 > 0:23:09kind of find different things to do with them, it's weird.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13I had to braid Chan's hair once and just didn't have a clue about it.
0:23:13 > 0:23:14Really strange things.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19The kids have been a saving grace in a way.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21I think we're all a lot happier with them around, to be honest.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25I'm happy for my mum, cos she deserves it.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28For such a huge upheaval, I think you guys have done an amazing job.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30Honestly, I do.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34To have five new members of the family come in like that
0:23:34 > 0:23:40and to absorb that and be as easy-going and nice to chat to
0:23:40 > 0:23:42and nice to meet as you guys are,
0:23:42 > 0:23:44I think it's a great credit to your mum and a great credit to you
0:23:44 > 0:23:46that you've got a solid head on your shoulders.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52'What a nice bunch of lads.'
0:23:54 > 0:23:57'Now, you'd think we'd have learnt a thing or two about this
0:23:57 > 0:24:01'building malarkey in the 13 years we've been doing this, but no.'
0:24:01 > 0:24:05Here's one for all you DIY aficionados,
0:24:05 > 0:24:07and you'll probably have to be to get this,
0:24:07 > 0:24:09but have a look round the room
0:24:09 > 0:24:12and see if you can see where we've made a slight design error.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14Concentrate.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16That's it, round you go. Keep going.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19Can you see it yet? Can you see it?
0:24:19 > 0:24:21Can you see it yet?
0:24:21 > 0:24:23Have you spotted it at all?
0:24:23 > 0:24:25Toughy, isn't it? Yeah.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27What have you done, you great wazzock?
0:24:27 > 0:24:29What happened?
0:24:30 > 0:24:32I got the measurements wrong!
0:24:32 > 0:24:33THEY LAUGH
0:24:33 > 0:24:35Just a little bit!
0:24:35 > 0:24:39- The middle of the room is here... - Yeah.- You've put the window there.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43Halfway between this room and the living room.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47- Hi.- Hello.- Are you all right?
0:24:49 > 0:24:51That hole's in the wrong place.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54Can I just say almost everything that he's measured in the past
0:24:54 > 0:24:56has been 100 mil too long, or a 100 mil too short.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59- That's why he's known as 100 miller. - SHE LAUGHS
0:24:59 > 0:25:03But he's expanded now and become 1,000 miller.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07'The key to this thing might just be a little creative thinking.'
0:25:07 > 0:25:09Seriously, we need to put the window in the right place.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11- But do we, though?- Yeah, do we?
0:25:11 > 0:25:14We're thinking out of the box now. I wonder whether you are.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17You know how things are really cooler when they're slightly offset?
0:25:17 > 0:25:20- Yeah.- No, they're not. - The window slightly offset.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23No, windows are not... No, that's not cool at all.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26'She just doesn't rate any of my ideas, does she?'
0:25:27 > 0:25:28Night-night.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36Day six and the plasterers are in full swing.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39They come in virtually all shapes and sizes, you know.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43That plasterer in the window there. He's quite feminine, isn't he?
0:25:43 > 0:25:45- The one on the left there. - That's Amy.- Yeah.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Why do you think there aren't more woman plasterers?
0:25:48 > 0:25:51It is a hard job to do. It's not an easy job.
0:25:51 > 0:25:56It's messy, you know, dusty and all the rest of it.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58- Not very glamorous, is it? - No, it's not,
0:25:58 > 0:26:02but by night, I don't look like this. I look like a glamour queen.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06Yeah, honest. I scrub up all right. Yeah.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08We'd better get out of here. LAUGHTER
0:26:10 > 0:26:12'Speaking of glamour queens...'
0:26:16 > 0:26:17What do you think?
0:26:19 > 0:26:21It's a bit, you know... It's not very good, is it?
0:26:21 > 0:26:25It's like a really ugly belly dancer, wasn't it?
0:26:25 > 0:26:26Julie's friend Sandra
0:26:26 > 0:26:30isn't just a founding member of the "I Love Billy" fan club.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33She also applied for Julie to receive our help,
0:26:33 > 0:26:36and knows better than most how hard it's been.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39'I tried to persuade Julie to do it last year.'
0:26:39 > 0:26:41She said no, she didn't want publicity,
0:26:41 > 0:26:43she thought it would be detrimental to the children.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45It's a worry, isn't it? Obviously,
0:26:45 > 0:26:49because the children need to settle down in life and get on with things.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51Exactly, so I think she changed her mind in January.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55Obviously, the practicalities about needing a place won out over that.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58The children are very excited. They're so resilient.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00It will change not only Julie's life
0:27:00 > 0:27:03but the eight children, her children as well.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06What do you think, now that you've seen the layout and the changes?
0:27:06 > 0:27:09It's wonderful. It's absolutely beautiful.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13I can't imagine what she's going to say and think.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16The girls are going to be really happy.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21I admit I was unsure if Gabrielle really needed her own carpenter
0:27:21 > 0:27:24but fair play to her, she hasn't half put him to good use.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26He's made something for virtually every room,
0:27:26 > 0:27:28from shelving to headboards.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30- Do you like that?- Yeah, I think that'll look really gorgeous.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32I don't know what to say.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34And that's perfect.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42Look at that, designer's in there, throwing the orders around
0:27:42 > 0:27:44to our plumbers who are getting all the pipework in,
0:27:44 > 0:27:46lovely copper work going in on the right.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50All very lovely. It's happening all over the place, innit?
0:27:50 > 0:27:53The designer's own chippy. Have you noticed that?
0:27:53 > 0:27:55I think he's running away. I thought he was going to get something.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57He's off. He's running.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59He's escaped from my evil clutches. Keith!
0:28:01 > 0:28:04You want a longer bit of rope?
0:28:04 > 0:28:07You know he's not allowed to work for anybody else?
0:28:07 > 0:28:08I see it on his hat.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12And he's been told he's not allowed to do anything for Mark
0:28:12 > 0:28:13and to pretend he's foreign
0:28:13 > 0:28:16and he doesn't speak English if Mark comes in.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18- So I've had this brilliant idea, which...- Uh-oh.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21..Keith is really thrilled about, as you can see from his face.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23- Yeah, he looks thrilled. - Run it by us.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26What I thought would be really nice is a bit of cheeky wall panelling.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29- These are strips...- Yep.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32Maybe in the sitting-room. I want that room to be transformed
0:28:32 > 0:28:34into something elegant and beautiful that she really likes,
0:28:34 > 0:28:38rather than something slightly similar to what she had before.
0:28:38 > 0:28:39Let's go and map this out
0:28:39 > 0:28:41- as it'll be a bit complicated with the pictures.- Work to do.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43It's going to be fine.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46It'll be so lovely. You're going to have so much fun.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48This is how we built the Empire, you know.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52Just as everyone was starting to flag,
0:28:52 > 0:28:55our daily dose of sugary nourishment arrives.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58Hello! We brought you some cake.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00Very Easter. Have that one there.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05- We ordered these especially for you. - That's amazing, innit? Look at that.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11- Where's the top of that gone? - It fell off.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13It's on the floor.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15Have a look down there. Have a look down there.
0:29:19 > 0:29:20Where's the rest of it gone?
0:29:23 > 0:29:26The garden has become an extra storeroom for tools
0:29:26 > 0:29:28so finding any garden to actually garden
0:29:28 > 0:29:31is a bit of a challenge for local landscape designer Stu.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34We've got enough airspace underneath the joist for the deck
0:29:34 > 0:29:36so that'll stay dry all the time,
0:29:36 > 0:29:40they're not sat on wet ground or anything like that.
0:29:40 > 0:29:41We're getting there.
0:29:44 > 0:29:45Three years ago,
0:29:45 > 0:29:48Julie spent everything she had to buy this house.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52But when her family doubled in size, it was stretched to bursting point.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54'Once we're finished with it,
0:29:54 > 0:29:58'it'll barely resemble the place she left only a few days ago.'
0:29:58 > 0:30:01So is this process very strange for you?
0:30:01 > 0:30:03A whole bunch of people you don't know
0:30:03 > 0:30:07going into your house, that you love, and changing it?
0:30:07 > 0:30:10My dream is to have the big family table,
0:30:10 > 0:30:13everybody sat round for a lovely meal, chatting, homework,
0:30:13 > 0:30:16just old-fashioned, simple family life, really.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18I couldn't do it on my own.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22I can't work any more hours to make these things happen
0:30:22 > 0:30:26and I know the authorities, for whatever reasons,
0:30:26 > 0:30:32they're unable to help, so this was the one chance
0:30:32 > 0:30:35and it's not just about me, it's the children,
0:30:35 > 0:30:37it's what they need for their future.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39They need space to grow.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42One of the things that I find frustrating on your behalf is,
0:30:42 > 0:30:46- because you've chosen to adopt rather than foster...- Yeah.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48Because you've chosen to stay in your house
0:30:48 > 0:30:50and stay working and earn for yourself
0:30:50 > 0:30:53rather than throw yourself on the mercy of the state,
0:30:53 > 0:30:57you don't fit into any of the boxes that the state has for helping you.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59It's just the way it is. It's just the way it is.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03I work 40 hours a week to feed and clothe them all and pay the mortgage.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06It's just the way it is. I don't have time to dwell.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10I've never asked the authorities for anything.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13Social services I invited over to take a look at things
0:31:13 > 0:31:15and I did say to them, I said,
0:31:15 > 0:31:18"The only issue I have is space and lack of space,"
0:31:18 > 0:31:21and that's when they said, "Sell the house, move into a council house,
0:31:21 > 0:31:22"give up work and claim benefits,"
0:31:22 > 0:31:24and at that point, I thought no way.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27When I first came round and met you,
0:31:27 > 0:31:29I thought the kids were fantastic
0:31:29 > 0:31:34and properly integrated, just like an everyday family
0:31:34 > 0:31:36but the first few weeks must have been really difficult
0:31:36 > 0:31:38to get the ball rolling on that.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40I very quickly had to make life normal for them.
0:31:40 > 0:31:45I wanted them to get into school and make some friends and just...
0:31:46 > 0:31:48..try and carry on
0:31:48 > 0:31:50but it was hard, you know.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52Chantelle would cry every bedtime.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56"I keep seeing Mummy every time I close my eyes," she would say.
0:31:56 > 0:32:01So as your best friend, but really more like your sister,
0:32:01 > 0:32:04when she died, it must have been devastating for you
0:32:04 > 0:32:06and with everything going on,
0:32:06 > 0:32:09presumably you couldn't have time to grieve yourself.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16I had tearful moments. I tried not to cry,
0:32:16 > 0:32:21because I just wouldn't have stopped, probably, if I had.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23- Do you miss her still?- I do.
0:32:23 > 0:32:27I've got her on my mobile phone, her number's there.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29I can't take her off.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32Yeah. She's in my address book.
0:32:33 > 0:32:34Yeah.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44Julie's story hit the national newspapers.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46It caught the public imagination
0:32:46 > 0:32:49and inspired many of the local trades to be here to help.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52Why have you decided to join in and help out?
0:32:52 > 0:32:54Well, because it feels good to put something back.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58It's nice to work for a family which truly deserves it.
0:32:58 > 0:32:59Just feel better, really.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02There are some stranger reasons people end up here.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04This is Paul, right?
0:33:04 > 0:33:09And Paul's here today because he met Mark in a Jacuzzi last night.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12- Didn't you, Paul? - Stop telling people this!
0:33:12 > 0:33:15So you were there in the hotel, having a Jacuzzi.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19Going to the gym, and then he just pounced.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21Come and got me in DIY SOS.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24There's a name for people like him.
0:33:24 > 0:33:25A Jacuzzi pest.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28PAUL LAUGHS
0:33:28 > 0:33:30That's his new nickname.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32Here's my mate Paul. We met in the Jacuzzi last night.
0:33:32 > 0:33:37- I know, that's what worrying us.- I want clean staff. That's what it is.
0:33:37 > 0:33:42'Clean staff? You're not making it sound any less dodgy, Mr Millar.'
0:33:42 > 0:33:47On this build, we need to do far more than just get the garden done.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49With the special memories it holds for the kids,
0:33:49 > 0:33:52we have to get it right too.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54How are we fixed for time?
0:33:54 > 0:33:56- Tight, now.- Yeah?- Yeah, yeah.
0:33:56 > 0:34:03- My main worry is the path between here and the room over there.- Right.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06It's quite labour-intensive. Time is ticking
0:34:06 > 0:34:10and I think, if the weather changes, that'll be a miserable old job.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12He had to say it out loud, didn't he?
0:34:12 > 0:34:16I mean, you're tempting fate if you say stuff like that,
0:34:16 > 0:34:19and now it's raining. Now it'll be miserable and hard to work in.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22The last thing you need now is someone being miserable about it.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24Bit miserable. Garden's going to get all churned up.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27- There's going to be mud everywhere and stuff.- Yeah, thanks, Mark.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29It might be miserable out there,
0:34:29 > 0:34:31but a bit of water won't stop us,
0:34:31 > 0:34:34especially when you've got a really good reason
0:34:34 > 0:34:35for being here in the first place.
0:34:35 > 0:34:40- What do you think of it, now you've been here?- Site's good, quality of work's good, people are good.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42Every one of them's been brilliant, ain't they?
0:34:42 > 0:34:45Every one of them's worked together and everyone's got on.
0:34:45 > 0:34:46Why do you think that is?
0:34:46 > 0:34:48Because they ain't getting paid.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51- You think that's the difference? - Yeah. If they was going for money,
0:34:51 > 0:34:54there'd be a few arguments and fights, but no,
0:34:54 > 0:34:56I think that's what it is, everybody's joined in,
0:34:56 > 0:34:59everybody's wanted to join in, joined in and it's been lovely, innit?
0:34:59 > 0:35:02Because they know why we're doing this, that's the background?
0:35:02 > 0:35:05They're doing it for that purpose. They're not doing it for money.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08They're doing it to put it together for the people to move in.
0:35:08 > 0:35:09You're probably right.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13I'm still sort of gobsmacked by the decision she made,
0:35:13 > 0:35:16you know, with three kids of her own and being on her own,
0:35:16 > 0:35:18to adopt five more.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21Don't you think it's just the most extraordinary thing to do?
0:35:21 > 0:35:24I actually come from an ex-Dr Barnardo's home myself,
0:35:24 > 0:35:28so I know the best thing for the kids is definitely to keep them together
0:35:28 > 0:35:31because I've got two sisters and a brother
0:35:31 > 0:35:33and we all stayed together,
0:35:33 > 0:35:35and I know this much, they weren't very nice in the home,
0:35:35 > 0:35:37so if those kids had to be taken away,
0:35:37 > 0:35:39it wouldn't have been a very nice, happy family.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42So it's worth every bit of it, and I know that.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45Well, that's as good a reason as I've heard all the way through.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48Thank you, and thanks for all the hard work you're putting into this.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51- It's OK. Thank you. - Excellent. Well done.- Thank you.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56I haven't seen Billy for a while. Sometimes that's a good thing,
0:35:56 > 0:35:59but most of the time, it's really very worrying.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03Just doing a little bit of testing. We've got a dead short somewhere.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06I'll try and find where the fault is, and hopefully get it back on.
0:36:06 > 0:36:11It could be a screw through the live cable, it could be anything.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16- It's an direct MCB fault.- I thought he said it was an earth fault.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19No, the carpet's coming back, floorboards coming up.
0:36:19 > 0:36:20Find the fault. As simple as that.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30Hold on a minute, guys! This build's going backwards now.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36They'll be tearing the walls down next.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42Five hours and four carpets later...
0:36:42 > 0:36:45We just connect this into there. You're all connected up.
0:36:45 > 0:36:46Yep, ready to turn on.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49It's the moment of truth.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52If we don't get lights back on, there will be no sleep tonight.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55That's on.
0:36:55 > 0:36:56THEY SIGH
0:37:00 > 0:37:02That doesn't look good.
0:37:03 > 0:37:04That does!
0:37:04 > 0:37:05It's on!
0:37:05 > 0:37:07All working.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09Hey-hey!
0:37:10 > 0:37:12- Thanks, boys.- That's all right.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14I'm ecstatic.
0:37:14 > 0:37:19I can now go home, I can get my head down and get a nice rest, nice kip.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23Well done, boys. Thanks for a hard evening.
0:37:23 > 0:37:28Problem solved, but they have had to make some holes to find the problem.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31I'm not sure everyone's going to be quite so happy.
0:37:34 > 0:37:35Luckily for Billy,
0:37:35 > 0:37:38carpenter Martin doesn't look like a vendetta kind of a guy.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40It wasn't exactly considered.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43I think they were quite eager to take the boards up to get it sorted,
0:37:43 > 0:37:44so start again.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48And that's why he's known as Lovely Martin around here!
0:37:50 > 0:37:52That's lovely Chris.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Now, my friend here is a skipologist.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56With skips being so expensive,
0:37:56 > 0:37:59his view has always been, you pack it airtight.
0:37:59 > 0:38:04Whilst he's in there climbing around, he's found...
0:38:04 > 0:38:07duvet tops, girl's bedroom, girl's bedroom, what's that?
0:38:08 > 0:38:11- "Egyptian cotton..." - Have that.- "..Duvet?"
0:38:11 > 0:38:14All bunged in a skip.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17Just, because we like to give a tip now and again,
0:38:17 > 0:38:19about once every three series,
0:38:19 > 0:38:22would you like to explain the process of skipology?
0:38:22 > 0:38:24If you see a little hole,
0:38:24 > 0:38:27rather than just throw...
0:38:27 > 0:38:29Just square everything up.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33And then the hole becomes filled.
0:38:35 > 0:38:39I asked the council if I could have a skip on the driveway.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42He said, "It's your driveway, you can skip where you like."
0:38:42 > 0:38:45HE LAUGHS
0:38:45 > 0:38:46"Skip where you like!"
0:38:46 > 0:38:49We can't control him. Don't look at me. It's not my fault.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55Here we go. Here's the very person.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59I've a bone to pick with you of dinosaur size.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01What's wrong?
0:39:01 > 0:39:04We've just been doing... Well, I say we've just been doing.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06Chris, who you know is a bit skip-obsessed,
0:39:06 > 0:39:08cos he's constantly in there tidying,
0:39:08 > 0:39:11hopped in to find, in the skip,
0:39:11 > 0:39:15- girl's bedroom, girl's bedroom... - What's that doing in there?
0:39:15 > 0:39:17Precisely the question I was going to...
0:39:17 > 0:39:21Nick, do you think I'd have thrown the girls' bed linen in a skip?
0:39:21 > 0:39:24- New pillow. - Oh, I've be looking for that.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26We're into recycling, but that doesn't mean
0:39:26 > 0:39:28putting things straight from the shop into the skip.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31We like to recycle via a bit of use on the way.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33Nick... Right, go away, everyone,
0:39:33 > 0:39:35- let me just do the thing.- Good luck.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39By the way, have we raided a yurt for some of these?
0:39:39 > 0:39:42No. And can I say, shoes out, now.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44Ooh! Look at the mud.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48Better put you out. Honestly, she starts to get nasty now.
0:39:48 > 0:39:49Go away.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54People may think that I'm bullying, but I'm not.
0:39:54 > 0:39:55It's a way of encouraging.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57Designers tend to float, you know,
0:39:57 > 0:40:00a bit like, "Hello, trees. Hello, flowers. Hello, sky,"
0:40:00 > 0:40:03unless you actually point them and sort of...
0:40:03 > 0:40:05It's a bit like...
0:40:05 > 0:40:09A bit like having a racehorse. She's a bit like a horse.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11Basically, when you get to the finish,
0:40:11 > 0:40:14the horse doesn't know you want to win, it just runs at whatever speed
0:40:14 > 0:40:16so sometimes you just have to apply the crop a little bit.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20Not too much, because then you get in trouble with the RSPCA.
0:40:21 > 0:40:22Yeah.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29Despite the weather, the garden is starting to take shape
0:40:29 > 0:40:32and the flowers the children planted in memory of their mum
0:40:32 > 0:40:35can be carefully put back into place.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39After two years of serving the children every meal
0:40:39 > 0:40:41in three separate sittings,
0:40:41 > 0:40:44Julie's going to get the family space she dreamed of,
0:40:44 > 0:40:47somewhere they can all sit and eat together.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49But there's one important thing missing.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53Oh, look at that!
0:40:53 > 0:40:55What a beauty!
0:40:55 > 0:40:58Benches is a great idea, because if you have to squeeze more kids on
0:40:58 > 0:41:01if they bring their friends round or anything, all pitch up, squeeze in.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03That's it, here we go.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12Want me to give you a hand here?
0:41:12 > 0:41:15Once we get up to the high bit, that'd be great, Mark.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17You balance it, you take that corner.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20- Is everybody lifting?- Yep.
0:41:20 > 0:41:24- Keep going, mate. You're doing well, Mark.- I'm right behind you, mate.
0:41:24 > 0:41:25You're lucky I'm with you.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30Let me take a bit more of the weight, Nick.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34Look at that. Oh, that's beautiful.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36Shall we sit down and test it?
0:41:36 > 0:41:39Isn't that a thing of beauty?
0:41:39 > 0:41:41- Mate, that is...- You like?
0:41:41 > 0:41:44- Absolutely gorgeous. - Just stunning. It's amazing.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47Round of applause for the man who made the table!
0:41:47 > 0:41:52ALL: Stu! Stu! Stu! Stu!
0:41:55 > 0:41:58So, nine days of the most extraordinary effort
0:41:58 > 0:42:01from the trades and suppliers of Huntingdon, and we're done.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03All we've got to do is clean all the mud away
0:42:03 > 0:42:06and show it to them first thing tomorrow morning.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08Looking forward to this one.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18Just over a week ago, we arrived to find this family of nine
0:42:18 > 0:42:21struggling to live in a house that was just far too small.
0:42:24 > 0:42:25A family trying to move on
0:42:25 > 0:42:29from the tragedy of losing both their mum and dad.
0:42:29 > 0:42:35Oh, I love having the kids because I see her in them, in them all.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38The boys are quiet, like Caroline.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41Chantelle's got Caroline's long, blonde hair
0:42:41 > 0:42:44but Emma looks like her
0:42:44 > 0:42:48so yeah, the children are just a continuation of her,
0:42:48 > 0:42:50which is lovely for me.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54"Two. You stay in..."
0:42:54 > 0:42:58If she took the time to step back and think about the situation,
0:42:58 > 0:42:59it might overwhelm her a bit,
0:42:59 > 0:43:03but from what I see, she's like the eye of a hurricane
0:43:03 > 0:43:08and, like, she's calm in the centre and there's chaos going around.
0:43:08 > 0:43:12I just want them to have a childhood, what remains of their childhood.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16I want them...I want it to be as good as I can get it for them.
0:43:18 > 0:43:22We received hundreds of applications from people all over the country
0:43:22 > 0:43:25on Julie's behalf, so we just had to help,
0:43:25 > 0:43:29along with an army of local trades determined to make a difference.
0:43:32 > 0:43:35Incredibly, we've finished it!
0:43:35 > 0:43:37We've added a one-storey extension,
0:43:37 > 0:43:40giving the family the communal space they so desperately need.
0:43:43 > 0:43:45A stunning oak table completes the dining area,
0:43:45 > 0:43:49giving them somewhere they can finally share meals together.
0:43:49 > 0:43:51It leads through to a massive kitchen,
0:43:51 > 0:43:54complete with breakfast bar, granite worktops
0:43:54 > 0:43:56and all the appliances Julie could need.
0:43:57 > 0:44:00We've breathed new life into the living room,
0:44:00 > 0:44:04making it a cosy, welcoming place to relax or entertain.
0:44:07 > 0:44:10It was quite a struggle, but we've transformed the garage
0:44:10 > 0:44:14from a cluttered storage space into an inspiring study and play area
0:44:14 > 0:44:17and a utility room and second family bathroom in one,
0:44:17 > 0:44:20making the morning queues far easier to manage.
0:44:21 > 0:44:25The old kitchen space has been transformed into a bedroom
0:44:25 > 0:44:27for Julie's youngest boy.
0:44:27 > 0:44:31And across the hall, there's a big double room for her middle son,
0:44:31 > 0:44:32complete with a window
0:44:32 > 0:44:35that's traditionally placed in the middle of the wall.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41Upstairs, we've revamped and refreshed the old bathroom,
0:44:41 > 0:44:44giving it a modern and stylish feel.
0:44:45 > 0:44:49And the bedroom that once had all three adopted boys crammed into it
0:44:49 > 0:44:52is now a good-sized space for the youngest two...
0:44:54 > 0:44:58..meaning the eldest brother can have his own room
0:44:58 > 0:45:00for the first time ever.
0:45:03 > 0:45:06The two girls have moved upstairs next-door to Julie, into a room
0:45:06 > 0:45:09that really is fantastically girly.
0:45:11 > 0:45:15And we've gone all out to make Julie's bedroom a luxurious
0:45:15 > 0:45:18and calming space - somewhere she can retreat to
0:45:18 > 0:45:21for those precious moments of peace and quiet.
0:45:24 > 0:45:27The back garden has been revitalised.
0:45:28 > 0:45:33Bi-folding doors lead out onto a stunning decked area...
0:45:33 > 0:45:37complete with a beautiful solid oak bench that celebrates
0:45:37 > 0:45:39the bond the family share.
0:45:41 > 0:45:43And the flowers in Caroline's garden
0:45:43 > 0:45:46have all been replanted in her memory.
0:45:48 > 0:45:51Even the shed's had a lick of paint.
0:45:52 > 0:45:54Finally the cedar-clad garden room
0:45:54 > 0:45:57is an occasional bedroom for Julie's eldest son -
0:45:57 > 0:46:00quite a step up from sleeping on the sofa.
0:46:06 > 0:46:08After everything they've been through,
0:46:08 > 0:46:11this is finally a home big enough for all of them.
0:46:11 > 0:46:16Somewhere they can be a normal family, spend time together,
0:46:16 > 0:46:19and move on from the sadness in their past.
0:46:24 > 0:46:28A lot of people from the Huntingdon area have come in
0:46:28 > 0:46:32and worked very hard to try and give you exactly what you need.
0:46:32 > 0:46:35And, we hope we've given you the tools to carry on
0:46:35 > 0:46:38the amazing job that you've done, so, are you ready?
0:46:39 > 0:46:41I'm not sure!
0:46:41 > 0:46:43Open your eyes.
0:46:46 > 0:46:48Oh, my goodness!
0:46:51 > 0:46:53Oh!
0:46:53 > 0:46:54It's amazing!
0:46:56 > 0:46:58NICK LAUGHS
0:46:58 > 0:47:00Oh, it's absolutely beautiful.
0:47:05 > 0:47:09I love it! I absolutely do, I really love it!
0:47:11 > 0:47:13The table's huge!
0:47:13 > 0:47:16Obviously, there is the pride-of-place chair,
0:47:16 > 0:47:18- which is also a bit apt... - Is that for me?
0:47:18 > 0:47:20- Yes, a little pink seat for you.- Shall I sit down?
0:47:20 > 0:47:24- So the family can all sit round with you...- Oh, this is lovely...
0:47:24 > 0:47:27This is wonderful.
0:47:27 > 0:47:30- Is it a beautiful thing? - It's beautiful.
0:47:33 > 0:47:34This is what you needed, is it?
0:47:34 > 0:47:37This is what I needed, but I love it.
0:47:37 > 0:47:40I love it, because it's just so practical,
0:47:40 > 0:47:42but it's just beautiful, as well, isn't it?
0:47:42 > 0:47:47- It's all wonderful.- Yes?- Really, yes.- Is going to make difference?
0:47:47 > 0:47:50Yes, I love it, gosh, I never want to leave this room.
0:47:50 > 0:47:52The children are going to go mad.
0:47:52 > 0:47:55- Really?- They are, they are.
0:47:55 > 0:47:58Do you know, Christmas is just going to be... Wow!
0:48:05 > 0:48:07SHE LAUGHS
0:48:07 > 0:48:11- Looks nice when it's on, doesn't it?- Oh! Gosh, it's just absolutely beautiful!
0:48:11 > 0:48:14- You like?- I do. I do!
0:48:14 > 0:48:19So clever! Isn't it... Oh, look at the sofas and the cushions!
0:48:19 > 0:48:21- Do you want to have a little...? - Can I sit down?- Yes.
0:48:24 > 0:48:28Oh, wow! It's luxury in here now, isn't it?
0:48:28 > 0:48:33I tried to make it as nice as I could before, with my limited time
0:48:33 > 0:48:37and energy, but this is warm and it's cosy,
0:48:37 > 0:48:39I like to be very cosy.
0:48:39 > 0:48:43I like the little lamps and lights and things which you've done.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46- Yeah, I absolutely love it. - OK, happy with this?
0:48:46 > 0:48:49- I don't want to leave this room. - You said that in the last room!
0:48:49 > 0:48:52- Can I stay here a bit longer?- No, we have a lot to show you, come on!
0:48:52 > 0:48:55More, there's more yet!
0:48:55 > 0:48:58Bear in mind - this door wasn't here before!
0:48:58 > 0:49:00No, it wasn't.
0:49:02 > 0:49:06- Oh, my goodness.- I'm afraid we've had to take your garage away,
0:49:06 > 0:49:08insulate the place, so it's a nice warm place to be,
0:49:08 > 0:49:12and create a study room, because I know you're keen on the children
0:49:12 > 0:49:15being up-to-date with their schoolwork, and this is a study area
0:49:15 > 0:49:18for them to be able to come in and have study time, computer time...
0:49:20 > 0:49:22What do you think?
0:49:22 > 0:49:27I never, ever imagined such a wonderful room.
0:49:27 > 0:49:30This is just... It's everything and more.
0:49:36 > 0:49:39Oh, beautiful, absolutely beautiful!
0:49:41 > 0:49:44- Very posh, isn't it? - It's very posh, yes!
0:49:44 > 0:49:48Oh, it's just... I love it.
0:49:48 > 0:49:52It's got a hotel sense of style about it, as well.
0:49:52 > 0:49:54- Let's see your room.- Thank you.
0:50:02 > 0:50:04Oh, it's just...
0:50:05 > 0:50:07I'm saying the same things over and over again,
0:50:07 > 0:50:09I'm just lost for words, really.
0:50:09 > 0:50:11Has she got the style right for you?
0:50:11 > 0:50:15It's just absolutely gorgeous, yeah, this is very me.
0:50:15 > 0:50:18If I could pick and choose anything...
0:50:19 > 0:50:23I could never have imagined such a beautiful room.
0:50:23 > 0:50:25I have to tell you at night it's beautiful in here
0:50:25 > 0:50:27with the wall lights, either side of the mirror.
0:50:27 > 0:50:30I've just seen the dressing table!
0:50:31 > 0:50:34Oh, I've got everybody there.
0:50:34 > 0:50:37Oh, gosh, all the lovely photos.
0:50:37 > 0:50:40I've got everybody, I've got Caroline in here with me again.
0:50:42 > 0:50:45You always had a little en-suite in there, didn't you?
0:50:45 > 0:50:47I did, a little cupboard, as I'd say to my friends,
0:50:47 > 0:50:49it's a little cupboard, but I'm lucky to have it.
0:50:49 > 0:50:52Well, have a look, we've given it a coat of paint.
0:50:54 > 0:50:57I'm smiling before I go in.
0:50:57 > 0:50:59Oh, yes.
0:51:01 > 0:51:03Oh, it's beautiful.
0:51:07 > 0:51:11What a massive difference this will make to our lives.
0:51:11 > 0:51:17Yeah, we'll be able to just function as I guess we should do, really,
0:51:17 > 0:51:20without the difficulties we've had before.
0:51:20 > 0:51:21I have got so many thank yous,
0:51:21 > 0:51:25massive thank yous to say to all these people.
0:51:25 > 0:51:26I'll go and get the youngsters.
0:51:26 > 0:51:28Is it all right for me to show them into their rooms?
0:51:28 > 0:51:30- Of course it is.- Yes?
0:51:30 > 0:51:32- Yeah!- Are they going to be excited?- Yes.- All right.
0:51:41 > 0:51:43Wow...it's awesome.
0:51:46 > 0:51:48I like this.
0:51:48 > 0:51:51- Look, it even has our names! - Yup!
0:51:51 > 0:51:52In you go.
0:51:55 > 0:51:57Wow!
0:52:01 > 0:52:03Uh-huh!
0:52:04 > 0:52:07- How is it up there?- Nice and comfy.
0:52:13 > 0:52:15It's changed!
0:52:15 > 0:52:17- Yes, has it?!- Yes.
0:52:17 > 0:52:21- What's your favourite bit? - I just like all of it.- Do you?
0:52:21 > 0:52:24So, what do you think of your bedroom?
0:52:24 > 0:52:25It's awesome.
0:52:25 > 0:52:27Awesome.
0:52:27 > 0:52:30- Marks out of 10?- 10.
0:52:30 > 0:52:32- 10.- Definitely?- Yup!
0:52:32 > 0:52:34I think it's excellent!
0:52:38 > 0:52:40This is all right, isn't it?!
0:52:40 > 0:52:43- It will do, it will do!- Sweet!
0:52:43 > 0:52:44Are you happy with this?
0:52:44 > 0:52:47- It's not bad, it's better than your old one!- Yes, definitely.
0:52:47 > 0:52:50- Much better.- It's awesome.
0:52:50 > 0:52:52Are you a bit of a Chelsea fan?
0:52:52 > 0:52:54- Yeah, just a bit!- Really?
0:52:54 > 0:52:55Yeah, I love Chelsea.
0:52:55 > 0:52:57Do you want to look on the shelf behind you?
0:52:58 > 0:53:01Oh, my word!
0:53:01 > 0:53:03Check it out! Lamps!
0:53:03 > 0:53:06He was good enough to sign that for us and send it through, so...
0:53:06 > 0:53:08- Really? No way!- Yes, really.
0:53:08 > 0:53:10That's awesome.
0:53:10 > 0:53:11So nice, honestly.
0:53:13 > 0:53:17- Awesome!- So, do you want to see the other one?- All right?- Ready?
0:53:17 > 0:53:18That makes it your room.
0:53:18 > 0:53:22- Oh, really? All right, cool! I've got a room.- Come on!
0:53:27 > 0:53:30- Double bed! Double bed!- Nice.
0:53:34 > 0:53:36I've not had a double bed in so long.
0:53:36 > 0:53:40- Oh, lovely. - It's pretty cool, isn't it?
0:53:40 > 0:53:42It's all right! Do you like it?
0:53:42 > 0:53:45I've got nothing to say, mate!
0:53:45 > 0:53:48I'm happy.
0:53:48 > 0:53:52- Mate, check you out! We've finally got you!- I know.
0:53:52 > 0:53:55The coolest guy in the world and we've gone and got you!
0:54:01 > 0:54:05- This is all right! - Oh, quality shower. Yes, that's it!
0:54:07 > 0:54:11- I'm going to christen this! - Not whilst we're in the room.
0:54:11 > 0:54:14- Not right now.- A loo and shower, so you guys can get yourselves
0:54:14 > 0:54:16sorted in the morning without bumping into
0:54:16 > 0:54:19the little ones upstairs, who have got their own bathroom,
0:54:19 > 0:54:21and your mum's got her own little en-suite up there, too.
0:54:21 > 0:54:25So, whilst these two are away, I've got my own bathroom?
0:54:25 > 0:54:29Pretty much! Yes, I'm happy with it. It's awesome.
0:54:29 > 0:54:31- Yes?- Yes, I'm so happy.
0:54:31 > 0:54:34OK, let's get the little ones down, and we'll go and say hello.
0:54:37 > 0:54:39Wow!
0:54:39 > 0:54:41- Hello!- Hello!- Whoa!
0:54:43 > 0:54:46This is amazing!
0:54:46 > 0:54:48This is amazing!
0:54:48 > 0:54:50This is all right, isn't it?
0:54:50 > 0:54:52Did you ever think we'd live somewhere like this?
0:54:52 > 0:54:55- No, it's amazing. - Yes, it's awesome!
0:54:58 > 0:55:01- Wow!- Wow! Look at the doors!
0:55:01 > 0:55:05- Isn't that amazing?- Come and have a look round your garden.
0:55:05 > 0:55:08Oh, look. Oh!
0:55:08 > 0:55:09It's got everyone's name on it.
0:55:09 > 0:55:13- Oh, this is gorgeous, isn't it? - We need to get the barbecue out.
0:55:13 > 0:55:16GIRL: Kieran... Peter... Michael...
0:55:29 > 0:55:32Obviously, we've changed the garden a lot.
0:55:32 > 0:55:35But there are some things that we knew we couldn't change,
0:55:35 > 0:55:38so, you guys planted flowers, didn't you, for Mum?
0:55:38 > 0:55:40And in this bed here, what we did was,
0:55:40 > 0:55:43we took up all the plants that were there, the ones you planted,
0:55:43 > 0:55:45that were important, kept them all during the week,
0:55:45 > 0:55:48and the guys who did the garden put them all back in again,
0:55:48 > 0:55:50so you'll find in that bed, the ones you had with Gabrielle,
0:55:50 > 0:55:53and you'll also find all the other ones that you planted before.
0:55:55 > 0:55:58Well, I presumed you were going to be in charge of mowing the lawn,
0:55:58 > 0:56:01and things like that, so I just wanted to show you the shed.
0:56:04 > 0:56:06- Wooh!- What's going on here?
0:56:06 > 0:56:10- My mind's blown, look at this, check it!- Oh, Adam!
0:56:10 > 0:56:11Happy days!
0:56:13 > 0:56:17- Isn't it a cracking little space? - Gorgeous!- My mind's blown!
0:56:17 > 0:56:21I don't know what to say. I'm speechless.
0:56:21 > 0:56:24I couldn't change anything, Adam, about what I've seen!
0:56:24 > 0:56:26Not needed!
0:56:26 > 0:56:30Do you want a man hug? Want to go that far?
0:56:30 > 0:56:33If it's all right with you, I'd like to take you all outside now
0:56:33 > 0:56:36and meet some of the people who have been working on this,
0:56:36 > 0:56:39- and making this possible in just nine days.- Let's go.
0:56:42 > 0:56:44Here you go!
0:56:44 > 0:56:46CHEERING
0:56:59 > 0:57:04We've all got so many special thank yous to say to you, guys,
0:57:04 > 0:57:08you've made such a huge difference to us as a family, and I don't think
0:57:08 > 0:57:12there are enough thank yous, but I would like to say
0:57:12 > 0:57:16just a massive one to everybody, all the builders and tradesmen,
0:57:16 > 0:57:19all our neighbours and really special friends.
0:57:19 > 0:57:22You're all fantastic, thank you so much.
0:57:22 > 0:57:25On behalf of my mum, and just the family in general,
0:57:25 > 0:57:29you don't know how big this is. It's going to change everything we do,
0:57:29 > 0:57:32so, honestly, thank you all so much.
0:57:32 > 0:57:34It's perfect. Absolutely perfect to a T.
0:57:40 > 0:57:43Amazing, absolutely amazing.
0:57:43 > 0:57:46This family's life will absolutely change because of what you did,
0:57:46 > 0:57:48so, from us, thank you very much for what you did.
0:57:48 > 0:57:50Cheers, come and say hello. Come and say hello.
0:57:55 > 0:57:58- It's really nice to meet you. - Oh, thank you.
0:57:58 > 0:58:00This is Max, he works for me, it's his first week at work.
0:58:00 > 0:58:03He was going to do that everywhere, but I managed to stop him.
0:58:03 > 0:58:06That's right, I normally paint these colours.
0:58:08 > 0:58:10People tell you today there's no community left,
0:58:10 > 0:58:12that it's just not around,
0:58:12 > 0:58:14not like in the old days when there was proper community.
0:58:14 > 0:58:17They're wrong, you know. Over 500 people wrote to us and said,
0:58:17 > 0:58:21"You have to do this, this family needs your help."
0:58:21 > 0:58:23And so we came here, but there's only six of us,
0:58:23 > 0:58:26and we asked the community to do something and they did.
0:58:26 > 0:58:28All this lot turned out,
0:58:28 > 0:58:31and what they've done in nine days has changed this family's life.
0:58:31 > 0:58:34You know, that can happen in communities all over the country.
0:58:34 > 0:58:36Have a look and see who needs your help.
0:58:54 > 0:59:00Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd