0:00:00 > 0:00:03I will never accept...
0:00:05 > 0:00:09..that my children have to face every day the struggles they have to face.
0:00:09 > 0:00:14We're here to help a family who have twins with exceptional needs.
0:00:14 > 0:00:18You do wonder why it's happened.
0:00:18 > 0:00:22There's just one thing on everyone's mind.
0:00:22 > 0:00:29Just our lives to be changed and have a better, safer environment.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31Trapped in a tiny house,
0:00:31 > 0:00:34they can't make it meet their needs.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37I'm still grieving for the children
0:00:37 > 0:00:40and the life that they should have had.
0:00:42 > 0:00:48This build has got its work cut out. Good job we've got a strong community on our side.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51We were running out of ideas how to keep her spirits up.
0:00:51 > 0:00:56We're getting help from all over the place and we're going to need it.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59This is one of the toughest jobs I've ever done.
0:00:59 > 0:01:04Here's why. Around me is the floor plan of the house we're working in, actual size,
0:01:04 > 0:01:07and this is the number of builders we need to squeeze in.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13This is DIY SOS: The Big Build!
0:01:13 > 0:01:15CHEERING
0:01:24 > 0:01:29Whiteley, a small town between Portsmouth and Southampton,
0:01:29 > 0:01:32is home to Hanna, Mike and their three children -
0:01:32 > 0:01:37eight-year-old Harry and two-year-old twins Zachary and Ruben.
0:01:37 > 0:01:42Four years ago, they were just an ordinary family of three,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45looking forward to expanding their clan.
0:01:45 > 0:01:52When we found out we were having another baby, we were delighted. Harry would have a brother or sister.
0:01:52 > 0:01:57And we were in a really positive place. Then the scan told us we were having two babies.
0:01:57 > 0:02:02As a midwife, Hanna delivered many of the babies in the local community.
0:02:02 > 0:02:08But that meant she knew there could be complications with a twin pregnancy.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11Then, unfortunately, fate turned on us.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15The twins were born 11 weeks early.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17They were tiny.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23They were very sick when they were born.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Zachary contracted an infection
0:02:31 > 0:02:35which led to him suffering meningitis
0:02:35 > 0:02:40and it was touch or go whether we would ever bring him home.
0:02:43 > 0:02:48You've got all these nurses running around, alarms and machines going off.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50You're just sat there watching.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53Helpless. I felt really helpless.
0:02:55 > 0:03:01Ruben, he suffered a massive brain haemorrhage on both sides of his brain...
0:03:02 > 0:03:04..which has led to the cerebral palsy.
0:03:05 > 0:03:11We were told that would leave him disabled for the rest of his life.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16And they're quite hard words to hear...
0:03:17 > 0:03:22..because you would never choose that for your children.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25Miraculously, both twins survived,
0:03:25 > 0:03:30but their complex and demanding needs meant Hanna had to give up her job
0:03:30 > 0:03:33to become their full-time carer.
0:03:34 > 0:03:40To make matters worse, Mike was then made redundant. He has been forced to take work away from home.
0:03:40 > 0:03:46Hanna gets left alone to cope in a tiny house that is totally unsuited to the family's needs.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49There you go.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53'Ruben can't stand or sit independently.'
0:03:53 > 0:03:59He doesn't have any speech and he can't really do anything for himself.
0:03:59 > 0:04:05He is getting heavy to lift over into the bath and lift out of the bath and that's only going to get worse.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14Zach and Ruben have to share my room because we've only got two bedrooms,
0:04:14 > 0:04:19so it's not conducive to a great night's sleep if all of them are in here with me.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23They woke up at three today. They've been on and off awake since then.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27Three or four hours' rest is a typical night for Hanna.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30Extreme sleep deprivation just adds to her troubles.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36Ruben is completely unable to move himself.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40Therefore, he relies on me to lift him up and down the stairs.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43And certainly, I worry about the safety of it
0:04:43 > 0:04:49because it will get to the point where if I was to trip or have any sort of accident,
0:04:49 > 0:04:53I could...both of us could come to some sort of harm.
0:04:53 > 0:04:59Ruben's brother Zachary is profoundly deaf, but has less extreme needs.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06Zachary has learnt to walk which we are so grateful for,
0:05:06 > 0:05:08but he is quite unstable,
0:05:08 > 0:05:12so he falls over 50, 60, 70 times a day.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16At the moment, the house is so confined,
0:05:16 > 0:05:21we're finding that he runs into things and is causing himself injury.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25And on top of that, Hanna is scared to let them outside.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29They're trapped with no means of escape.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32The situation has placed demands on all the family,
0:05:32 > 0:05:35including big brother Harry.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39'Because my dad's away,
0:05:39 > 0:05:43'my mum doesn't have as much help.'
0:05:43 > 0:05:47And I'm always trying to, like...
0:05:48 > 0:05:51..make the babies happy
0:05:51 > 0:05:54and get them organised for the day.
0:05:54 > 0:05:59I think when Mike's away, Harry almost sees himself as the man of the house.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02He says, "I'm going to look after you, Mummy."
0:06:02 > 0:06:06'Harry and I work as a team, really, getting the babies together.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11'He is great company for me - Harry.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14'He helps out with the twins.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18'He'd hold him while Hanna deals with the other one.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20'He's brilliant.'
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- All gone.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26Makes you really proud, he does.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28Can you go and pack your schoolbag?
0:06:28 > 0:06:32'We're facing the future with Ruben in a wheelchair. He won't walk.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36'That's been quite a hard thing'
0:06:36 > 0:06:38to be able to accept,
0:06:38 > 0:06:44so any house that we have, we would ideally love it to be wheelchair-accessible.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48'And that's why we're here - to help.'
0:06:48 > 0:06:52Explain to us exactly what it is you need us to do with this house
0:06:52 > 0:06:58because our thing is not to do what we think we should do with it, but do what you need us to do with it.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03Obviously, Ruben's growing every day, so a downstairs room for him.
0:07:03 > 0:07:08To stop you having to carry him up and down the stairs all the time? That would be a major help.
0:07:08 > 0:07:14It would be nice to have a room for us back. Yeah. They've been in with us for three years.
0:07:14 > 0:07:20It would be nice to have some space back where I can shut the door when they're asleep at night and relax.
0:07:20 > 0:07:27The thing that keeps us going is the twins. We keep a very positive house, don't we? Yeah. Really positive.
0:07:27 > 0:07:33We make the best out of what we've got, but when they're asleep and I sit around and look at things,
0:07:33 > 0:07:39and I'm so frightened about the future and that we haven't got anywhere else to turn,
0:07:39 > 0:07:41that keeps me awake every night.
0:07:41 > 0:07:48We will do our absolute level best to give you the maximum amount of room to take the pressure off.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53Yeah. Yeah. I think that's what it's about. Thank you. I'm really grateful. Thank you.
0:07:53 > 0:07:58'As usual, we've only got nine days to work some DIY SOS magic.'
0:07:58 > 0:08:01We're so very grateful for all of you giving your time.
0:08:01 > 0:08:08'So out with the family, in with the builders. But it's not just the trades digging deep.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12'Harry has spent his pocket money on sweets for all the builders.'
0:08:12 > 0:08:15Oh, Harry, that's brilliant!
0:08:15 > 0:08:18Give them to my sparks. They need building up.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20Thanks, Harry.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24Cheers, Harry. Thanks ever so much. See you, Harry. Take care.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Everyone knows what to do. Let's get on with it!
0:08:33 > 0:08:37'We couldn't do any of this without the generosity of local trades.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41'Many of them, like Darryl and Paul, know the family.'
0:08:41 > 0:08:47It's the only sort of way that we can physically help someone without writing cheques out to people
0:08:47 > 0:08:51which, obviously, in this current climate, not everyone can do that.
0:08:51 > 0:08:56So that's what we decided to do - donate our time, rather than money, really.
0:08:56 > 0:09:01'The entire house is to be rewired, so it's good to see Billy's got a handle on his team.'
0:09:01 > 0:09:05Thank you so much for coming. I'm going to put Graham in charge.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07That's Barry. And Barry.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09LAUGHTER Sorry, Barry.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12'Will I ask him about the hair or will you?
0:09:12 > 0:09:17'Let's leave it until he's had a bacon sandwich and a cup of tea. Everybody's full of beans.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20'Don't dance, Julian, please!'
0:09:20 > 0:09:22I'm fitting a little dance in as well.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26'Chris is wasting no time at all.'
0:09:27 > 0:09:29We're not holding that up.
0:09:29 > 0:09:36'And Mark has already lost the plot. I need to talk to somebody sensible about what we'll do on this build.'
0:09:36 > 0:09:42The difficulty with this house is making use of all the space because we can't make it much bigger.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45We wanted a two-storey extension, but were only allowed one.
0:09:45 > 0:09:51'Planning permission is tight in this area, but we have been able to get a single-storey extension.
0:09:51 > 0:09:57'It will still be a small house, so Gabrielle Blackman, our designer, has to be at her creative best.'
0:09:57 > 0:10:03It's just really vital we're just really super-clever about every room and its functionality.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08Even the depth of the plaster. Every millimetre counts on this job.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13The kitchen, we need as much space there as we possibly can, and it's, you know...
0:10:13 > 0:10:19So if we use plasterboard and then plaster where we've told you we're only going to plaster, that 12mm...
0:10:19 > 0:10:26I'm scuppered. I've never had a tougher one. Just to fit basic furniture in, it's really been hard.
0:10:26 > 0:10:31That's why she's paid the big bucks. Gabby's got ambitious designs for this little house.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35Her plans mean we're ripping out the kitchen at the front of the house
0:10:35 > 0:10:39to create a bedroom for Ruben on the ground floor.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43We're also building him a wheelchair-accessible wet room,
0:10:43 > 0:10:46so all his needs can be met on the one level.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50The old living room will make way for a kitchen/diner.
0:10:50 > 0:10:55And the extension at the back of the house will create a new, open-plan living area,
0:10:55 > 0:10:59leading on to an outdoor space for the whole family.
0:10:59 > 0:11:05Upstairs, Gabby has designed a bespoke bedroom for Zach and big brother Harry.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08And with the twins finally out of their room,
0:11:08 > 0:11:12Mum and Dad will get some space to themselves once again.
0:11:12 > 0:11:17There's a lot of meticulous work to do to give the family the layout they need.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20This has been one of the toughest jobs I've ever done. It really has.
0:11:20 > 0:11:25'With so many burly blokes in a tiny space, the pressure is on.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29'I see it as part of my role to keep morale up. What's this then?
0:11:29 > 0:11:33'Bit of an impression for you. First guess wins.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36'It's a fish!'
0:11:36 > 0:11:39Your mother must be so proud.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Do you do other fish impersonations? Yeah, but that's enough.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45You want to leave them wanting more. Exactly.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48'Book early to ensure disappointment.
0:11:48 > 0:11:53'We need to create wheelchair access for Ruben throughout the ground floor,
0:11:53 > 0:11:56'but an hour into the build, we've already hit a problem.'
0:11:56 > 0:11:59This doorway is not wide enough for a wheelchair.
0:11:59 > 0:12:05To make it wide enough, we must take this wall out which means taking the wall out into the living room.
0:12:05 > 0:12:10It's also the support wall, so that will be a substantial change in building work.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15'Our problems don't end there.' You can't get a wheelchair through this door either.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19You'll have to take this out and put a bigger lining in here.
0:12:19 > 0:12:25We can't do that because we've got a wardrobe on this side. You're joking! Oh! Aaargh!
0:12:25 > 0:12:27'Watch this look she gives him. Oh!'
0:12:27 > 0:12:29I'm not happy.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32'As we know, every millimetre counts on this build,
0:12:32 > 0:12:37'so any changes will have a knock-on effect for all the fittings.'
0:12:37 > 0:12:43On this side of the wall, we've got to fit all of Ruben's storage. On this wall.
0:12:43 > 0:12:48Then we need a turning circle, which is here demonstrated by the boys swivelling round.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52Then we have his bed and there is room for nothing else in here.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55And he's got to have storage. She's a bit cross.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59I'm flipping annoyed. She's flipping annoyed. Why are you annoyed?
0:12:59 > 0:13:03This is unnecessary stress in a really stressful build.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06We don't need door dramas on top of everything else.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10'It's because she cares so much. That's why she's cross. Honest.
0:13:10 > 0:13:15'Thank goodness we're surrounded by people who can help sort it out. Look at them go!
0:13:15 > 0:13:19'At least that's done. Gabrielle was looking like a woman on the edge.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22'And it's only the morning of day one.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25'Like the house, the garden is narrow.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28'That's it, just that little brown strip.
0:13:28 > 0:13:34'The grassy bits on either side are the neighbours' gardens. We'll have to tidy them up before we go too.
0:13:34 > 0:13:41'Drainage is a priority on this site as the ground here at Whiteley is very clay-like.'
0:13:41 > 0:13:44Look at that. You could make pots out of that.
0:13:44 > 0:13:49They used to make bricks round here because the soil was so full of clay.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53You can mould it. There you go, there's a rough-hewn pot.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57'From a rough-hewn presenter. Maybe I should just stick to the day job.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02'Lee and his team of ground workers are here for the whole nine days.'
0:14:02 > 0:14:05Why did you guys decide to come and help out?
0:14:05 > 0:14:09Obviously, times are tight and jobs are...
0:14:09 > 0:14:14We heard about the family and the situation they're in, so we thought it would be nice to help.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18It's hard for families these days. I've got kids as well at home.
0:14:18 > 0:14:24I find it a struggle. My family find it a struggle just supporting, trying to earn the money for them.
0:14:24 > 0:14:29When you've got situations that families have to deal with stuff like this,
0:14:29 > 0:14:32you want to make it easier for them.
0:14:32 > 0:14:37'It's all very well digging it up, but what are we going to put back on top of it?
0:14:37 > 0:14:41'Gabby wants flagstones, but of course, Mark has his own ideas.'
0:14:41 > 0:14:47Don't you think it would be much nicer in tarmac? Tarmac would be lovely, wouldn't it? It would be.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52Have you thought about tarmac out here? Instead of the flagstones.
0:14:52 > 0:14:57No! We are not having tarmac out here. White lines. I like tarmac. We like tarmac.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01It would be quick in tarmac. Yeah. It would be nice in tarmac.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05The viewers love tarmac, don't you? No, Mark, you love tarmac.
0:15:05 > 0:15:12The viewers love tarmac as well. I'll change Mark's name to Tar-Mark. That's how much he loves tarmac!
0:15:12 > 0:15:14It's permanent, mind.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20'I think that nickname just might stick.' That's good.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24'Back inside, the extension is in the capable hands of our Julian.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26'Look at him - marvellous!'
0:15:26 > 0:15:29We're going to prop this up.
0:15:29 > 0:15:34We'll take this opening... This opening's coming out from there to there.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38A couple of steels going in... Clear opening through.
0:15:38 > 0:15:45'It may be small - not the builder, the house - but the whole house is being reworked all at the same time,
0:15:45 > 0:15:50'so Gabby's chippies have set up outside where there's enough room for them to work.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53'The bespoke fittings they're making will maximise the space.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56'I hope you haven't let Mark near those measurements.
0:15:56 > 0:16:01'Creating the perfect home for this family in nine days needs a lot of negotiation,
0:16:01 > 0:16:06'what politicians call "a free and frank exchange of ideas".'
0:16:06 > 0:16:12Gabrielle, I haven't seen you all day. I've been prepping your patterned ceilings for skimming.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16You don't like the coving or the textured ceiling in the hallway. No.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21I'll do that. Can we leave the one downstairs when you come in the front door?
0:16:21 > 0:16:25Because that'll just stop everyone in and out for three or four hours.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28I know you don't... I don't like it. I really don't.
0:16:28 > 0:16:35Because it's such a small logistical house we're working in, you'll stop everyone coming in and out.
0:16:35 > 0:16:41I totally see your point, but it's the first thing people are going to see when they walk in the house.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46My dream would be that we do every ceiling in the house. OK, you want it gone. Yeah.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50'Never mind fretting over ceilings that already exist.
0:16:50 > 0:16:55'We still have a whole extension to build that doesn't, so could we please all just get on with it?'
0:16:55 > 0:17:00The guys with the steels have just turned up. They're talking to Julian.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04The difficulty is that the walls that we were going to bear on...
0:17:04 > 0:17:09haven't got the strength in them because they're not properly tied into the side wall.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11Same on that side as well.
0:17:11 > 0:17:18'We don't have time to waste, so we'll have to temporarily prop the steels up and hope that works.'
0:17:18 > 0:17:20Bit of a heavy lifting job, yeah.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24We've got probably about ten men here to lift it if we need to.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32I need another two inches.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34Is that brick in the way?
0:17:36 > 0:17:39Push that over a bit more if you can.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43That's it. It's all there, is it?
0:17:43 > 0:17:45It went very well.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49If you've got loads of blokes on it, you can just manhandle it.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53It's all gone in, it's exactly where we want it, nice and level,
0:17:53 > 0:17:57so all we've got to do now is just build that in place. Perfect.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Even Knowlesy's working!
0:18:01 > 0:18:03'It does happen now and again. Rarely, I admit.
0:18:03 > 0:18:09'I've done my bit for now, so I'm off to see the family. I've arranged to catch up with Hanna.'
0:18:09 > 0:18:14"Once upon a time in the Night Garden..." 'She's with the twins Zachary and Ruben
0:18:14 > 0:18:18'and health visitor Liz who knows the family very well.'
0:18:19 > 0:18:23He's quite happy to sit and play like that, but he can't sit up,
0:18:23 > 0:18:25so he just has to lie on his side.
0:18:25 > 0:18:31Is that something that you think will develop? It's getting a bit late, really. Is it?
0:18:31 > 0:18:35He can sit supported for a little bit, but his trunk is really weak,
0:18:35 > 0:18:38so he can't sit up on his own.
0:18:38 > 0:18:44But he can roll over and he's learnt to commando-crawl, which is something we never thought, so he's clever.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48GIGGLING Is that funny that we're talking about you?
0:18:50 > 0:18:57At the outset, the prognosis for Ruben was really, really dark,
0:18:57 > 0:19:00and yet he has defied all odds
0:19:00 > 0:19:04and has made some fantastic progress.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09Is there a possibility that he will become more mobile or more able to look after himself?
0:19:09 > 0:19:13All I know is that Hanna does everything in her power
0:19:13 > 0:19:16to help him become more mobile
0:19:16 > 0:19:22and Ruben is a really happy little boy who laughs, who giggles, who communicates
0:19:22 > 0:19:25and, you know, that is fantastic progress.
0:19:25 > 0:19:30'So does the layout of the house affect the wellbeing of the family?'
0:19:30 > 0:19:36Definitely. Without a shadow of a doubt because safety is paramount.
0:19:36 > 0:19:43There is a point where it actually becomes unsafe for not only the parent, but also for the child
0:19:43 > 0:19:47because you risk them being dropped down the stairs.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51For Hanna, to have everything on one floor,
0:19:51 > 0:19:55so, in the daytime, she doesn't have to keep on going upstairs and downstairs,
0:19:55 > 0:19:58will save her a lot of work.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05Mike's got a theory that it'll be all right in the end because...
0:20:05 > 0:20:07Sorry.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14Sorry. You don't have to apologise.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17I fully understand why it's such an emotional thing.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20Mike just says we've just got to love them.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29'But for much of the time, Mike is forced to express that love long-distance.'
0:20:29 > 0:20:35Sometimes I feel a bit out on a limb when I'm on the phone every day, finding out how she's got on,
0:20:35 > 0:20:37how the appointments have gone.
0:20:37 > 0:20:42It does make you feel a bit guilty that I'm not helping out more. It's tough.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46When I come back, I do get all this new stuff from the twins as well.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50They can say this now or they can do this.
0:20:50 > 0:20:56I miss them quite a bit. Yeah. But you need the money to support them all, don't you?
0:20:57 > 0:21:00Since the twins have come along,
0:21:00 > 0:21:07has there been much room for a relationship between the two of you or is it just full-on care?
0:21:07 > 0:21:11Full-on care. Can you manage if we sort the house out?
0:21:11 > 0:21:13I hope so, yeah.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18With a bit of help from all our support network,
0:21:18 > 0:21:21I think it will be a lot better.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25'We can't change the challenges this family face with their twins,
0:21:25 > 0:21:31'but we can give them the perfect environment in which to face those challenges.'
0:21:32 > 0:21:39All this wallpaper needs to come off. There'll be a lot of decorating and patching in this room.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43But mostly, it's still services. There are holes in the floor.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47That's the main family bathroom. There were six guys in there recently.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52Then we're through into what will be Harry and Zach's room
0:21:52 > 0:21:55because Ruben's going to be downstairs.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59Again we've got to make this into a really lovely double boys' room.
0:21:59 > 0:22:04It's a bit of a mess because the services are still going in and there's great holes in the floor.
0:22:04 > 0:22:11'The biggest job is the downstairs extension. Tomorrow, the priority is building those supporting walls.
0:22:11 > 0:22:16'But for now, it's been a long day and everyone needs some sleep.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22'Then late at night while all the builders are tucked up in bed,
0:22:22 > 0:22:24'there's a bit of Whiteley magic in the air.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30'Who's this? A house elf? A local sprite perhaps?
0:22:30 > 0:22:36'Actually, it's local brickie Mick who has magically appeared to sort out those supporting walls.
0:22:36 > 0:22:43'He's been hard at work all day on another site, but that hasn't stopped him coming along after hours
0:22:43 > 0:22:47'to make sure this house gets the extension the family needs.'
0:22:47 > 0:22:52I got home, had my tea, then got a phone call and I'm up here doing this.
0:22:53 > 0:22:59I know, like, pretty much what the family are going through with all, like, hospital trips
0:22:59 > 0:23:03because actually my son has got Hirschsprung's disease
0:23:03 > 0:23:07and he's had seven operations before he's six months old.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12For about four years he was, like, in intensive care,
0:23:12 > 0:23:16hooked up to all tubes and everything like that,
0:23:16 > 0:23:19and when you can't pick him up and cuddle him, it's...
0:23:19 > 0:23:22You know, I can understand why it's all going on
0:23:22 > 0:23:28and I'm quite happy to be here and help a nice family with their two young kids.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32'Local people helping local people.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36'It's day two and Jules is chirpy this morning.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39'Well, he's been chirpy all along.'
0:23:39 > 0:23:42There was a little elf here last night. He built this pillar up.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46Very kind of him to stay on late. He built that pillar up.
0:23:46 > 0:23:52We've just got to finish a few bits and bobs off, building along the top of the steels, then it's all done.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56Yeah, thank the Lord for little elves!
0:23:57 > 0:24:01'From little green elves to pink-haired electricians...'
0:24:01 > 0:24:07I have to ask you about the hair. Everyone's been not asking about the hair, so what...?
0:24:07 > 0:24:10The hair was just to blend in with my T-shirt.
0:24:10 > 0:24:15We're blue tomorrow, then you want to see him. We're in blue tomorrow.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19Were you ever a boy band together? We could have been.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23'Listen up, One Direction. This is you in 25 years' time.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28'There's someone else on site today - Sarah Mullins.
0:24:28 > 0:24:33'She's the one who contacted us about the family's desperate situation.'
0:24:33 > 0:24:35Why did you write to us in the first place?
0:24:35 > 0:24:41Mike and I went to school together. We've been friends for years and years and years. Too many.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44Hanna and I met when they got together.
0:24:44 > 0:24:50With the twins born three months early, it's changed their lives in a way you could never expect.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54We all try and help, but we're not living that life.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57The reality is they're really trapped in that house.
0:24:57 > 0:25:03Because they own their own home, they're not entitled to help, not anything like what you're doing here.
0:25:03 > 0:25:09But it's just been really tough the last few years. You look very emotional. It's a big deal for you.
0:25:09 > 0:25:15It's not my life, but I am very close to Hanna and Mike. I've been through the last three years with them.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18She's pretty much at the end of her tether.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21If we hadn't had this to look forward to, I don't know...
0:25:21 > 0:25:26We were running out of ideas how to motivate her as our friend and keep her spirits up.
0:25:26 > 0:25:32'Hanna's other close friends Ali and Emma have also been a huge support to her.'
0:25:32 > 0:25:38When I met her the other day, if you don't mind me saying, she does look like a woman right on the edge.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40That's the thing with Hanna.
0:25:40 > 0:25:46From the outside world, people that don't know her, she looks very capable and on top of everything,
0:25:46 > 0:25:50but underneath, there's a swan paddling very quickly to stay afloat.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54She does have good days and bad days. Yeah. And Hanna's a midwife.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58Was a midwife. Is a midwife. She just isn't practising at the moment.
0:25:58 > 0:26:03She has helped a lot of mums in Whiteley, including Ali, have their babies.
0:26:03 > 0:26:09She helped you have your baby? Yeah. I went into labour in a snowstorm in which the ambulance got stuck.
0:26:09 > 0:26:14So we had to call out Hanna. The babies were still in special baby care at the time.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18She walked half a mile. She walked through the snow with all her kit.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21Whilst her babies were in special care? Yeah.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24That says a lot about the woman. It certainly does.
0:26:24 > 0:26:30When we come to help out, it's a double-edged sword because they'd rather do it for themselves.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33They'd rather not need our help. It's with complete relief.
0:26:33 > 0:26:39I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't come. They couldn't live the way they were living.
0:26:39 > 0:26:46As a couple, they need their own time and this will give them an opportunity to have their own space.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49The basic things we take for granted, she doesn't have,
0:26:49 > 0:26:54and when you do go to sleep, to have two children at the end of your bed, it's not ideal.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57I don't know how long they could've gone on. No.
0:26:57 > 0:27:03Do you ever look at your own families, thinking, "How would I manage in those circumstances?"
0:27:03 > 0:27:05All the time. I wouldn't...
0:27:06 > 0:27:09I wouldn't be anywhere near as strong as Hanna at all.
0:27:09 > 0:27:15I think I'd be sat in a corner rocking or I'd be in an asylum by now.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18I don't know how she does it. I genuinely don't know.
0:27:18 > 0:27:23'Hanna and her family are really loved locally. That's why so many people are here.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25'Today, there are 40 trades on site.
0:27:25 > 0:27:31'Our priority is to ensure that Ruben can be looked after solely on the ground floor,
0:27:31 > 0:27:34'so how are the boys creating the wet room getting on?'
0:27:34 > 0:27:36All right? Yeah. Are you all right?
0:27:36 > 0:27:40This is a new member of the team. This is our apprentice Terry.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44'He's much too old!' How are you finding the apprenticeship, Terry?
0:27:44 > 0:27:49It's all right. It's a bit of a struggle to start with. Is it? I'm slowly getting there.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53You're the boss? Unfortunately, yeah. Why are they giving you such gyp?
0:27:53 > 0:27:56They think I don't work any more,
0:27:56 > 0:27:59so I thought I'd come in and show them how to do it.
0:27:59 > 0:28:05How's that working out? It's not. They're showing me how to do it. It's not really working out.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08'With space such an issue, Gabby is under the cosh,
0:28:08 > 0:28:13'so it's a good job she spent many years designing the tiny interiors of yachts
0:28:13 > 0:28:16'and chippy Matt has a background in fitting them.
0:28:16 > 0:28:22'He's on board to turn Zach and Harry's new room into a landlubber's cabin.'
0:28:22 > 0:28:27Matt, why have you been mad enough to build the most complicated sleeping system in England?
0:28:27 > 0:28:32We've done a bathroom in Whiteley for friends of Hanna and Mike
0:28:32 > 0:28:35and they kindly put us forward.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39We said we'd jump at the chance to help out in any way that we can.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43It's a very small piece of time out of your life to give something back.
0:28:43 > 0:28:48'It's really starting to look ship-shape in Zach and Harry's room.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52'Big brother Harry is such a support to Hanna when Mike's away.
0:28:52 > 0:28:57'I wanted to have a chat, so I caught up with him at Whiteley playing field.'
0:28:57 > 0:29:03What do you think of what's going on at your house? It's weird for you to be out. What do you think of it?
0:29:03 > 0:29:10Well, I just think it's really exciting cos all of these people have given up their time
0:29:10 > 0:29:12to help us.
0:29:12 > 0:29:17How do you help your mum? What sort of things do you help out with?
0:29:17 > 0:29:24Well, I just help out with getting their clothes and getting all the things they need for the day.
0:29:24 > 0:29:29Do you mind doing that? Em...no, I don't mind, actually.
0:29:29 > 0:29:34I think it just helps my mum a lot. Yeah, she's got a lot to do, hasn't she?
0:29:36 > 0:29:42Do you think she's happy having the twins have to sleep in the same room?
0:29:42 > 0:29:45I think it's really hard
0:29:45 > 0:29:53cos it doesn't give her as much space as she used to have when the babies weren't around. Yeah.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00So are Ruben and Zach cool as brothers? Yeah, definitely.
0:30:00 > 0:30:05They're always really cheerful and they're really fun to play with.
0:30:05 > 0:30:11If I was a genie and could give you three wishes, ever think what you would do with three wishes?
0:30:11 > 0:30:17Well, one, Ruben's arms and legs to get better because he can't really play with us a lot.
0:30:19 > 0:30:26Two, probably for him to get more things so we can help him along the way.
0:30:26 > 0:30:31And for... just our lives to be changed
0:30:31 > 0:30:34and have a better, safer environment.
0:30:34 > 0:30:41That's three wishes. You didn't have one for yourself. You didn't ask for a swimming pool or cup final tickets
0:30:41 > 0:30:45or anything for you. No. No.
0:30:45 > 0:30:51Not one for you? No. It's more important, you think, for Ruben and Zach? Definitely.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55'I've never met such a selfless eight-year-old lad as Harry
0:30:55 > 0:30:59'and we're determined to do something for him, too,
0:30:59 > 0:31:05'which is where this pretty amazing surprise comes in. We're lifting in this cabin to be his very own,
0:31:05 > 0:31:10'for quiet time alone or to invite friends around for a sleepover.'
0:31:10 > 0:31:12Literally over the top of the house!
0:31:12 > 0:31:17# Somewhere over the rainbow
0:31:18 > 0:31:22# Way up high... #
0:31:22 > 0:31:26The wind is really blowing quite strongly up here.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30No prizes for guessing the damage if it smashed into the house!
0:31:30 > 0:31:33Mind that satellite dish!
0:31:33 > 0:31:39'It's very built-up round here, but we have our own skilled crane operator and team
0:31:39 > 0:31:42'to manoeuvre it into position.'
0:31:43 > 0:31:46This is like big kids' video games.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49Here we go. OK, mate. Sneak her down.
0:31:50 > 0:31:51OK?
0:31:51 > 0:31:56Absolutely lovely. Well done, everybody. Marvellous.
0:31:58 > 0:32:03I think it's a real testament to the spirit of the people working here
0:32:03 > 0:32:07that despite the number of guys crammed into the house,
0:32:07 > 0:32:13with tools flying all over the place and trying to get on with their jobs, all elbows and whatever,
0:32:13 > 0:32:19not a single cross word today. It's the most fantastic site to work on. Heartwarming it is. Heartwarming.
0:32:26 > 0:32:33One thing Ruben loves is lights, so Gabby's creating something wonderful for him.
0:32:33 > 0:32:39It has 164 separate strands, so it's a bit fiddly to install, but we've got just the man for it.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42We've got a fibre optic kit coming.
0:32:42 > 0:32:48We have got a guy coming in? No. 'Look at that face. No, Billy, it's all down to you,
0:32:48 > 0:32:52'every single one of those little fibre optic threads.'
0:32:52 > 0:32:58Over to you, Barry. 'Don't try to pass the buck. We're in this together.
0:32:58 > 0:33:03'Gabrielle's approaching this fibre optic lighting design in a bizarre way. Has she lost her marbles?'
0:33:03 > 0:33:10I'm just counting... Gravel. These represent each strand we've got to pull through this board.
0:33:10 > 0:33:17164. So don't knock it over, Nick. You've got 164 bits of gravel? Yeah.
0:33:17 > 0:33:23It's like stars so I want it to be random. The trouble with random is that it's random Yeah.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27Which means when they land randomly, you'll go, "I don't like that."
0:33:27 > 0:33:31Why do you think I wouldn't like random? Cos it's too clumped.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37No. There's one. One down. We only lost a couple.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41Not that one. That one? No, a browny-coloured one.
0:33:43 > 0:33:50Now you've got to draw round every single one. Stop fiddling. Is it me? Go away, everybody.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54Go, go. I can't create something beautiful with you all fiddling.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58I want to know something technical. Out! Go.
0:34:00 > 0:34:01Don't!
0:34:01 > 0:34:07'It's tough being a creative genius with a bunch of troublemakers like us around.
0:34:07 > 0:34:14'Let's leave her alone to mark out her constellation. Talking of starry skies, we appear to have
0:34:14 > 0:34:18'some intergalactic visitors. STAR WARS MUSIC
0:34:18 > 0:34:26'What is this? Invasion of the giants? No, it's DIY SOS - Plasterers On Stilts!
0:34:26 > 0:34:29'I know we're making a meal of it. Bear with us.'
0:34:29 > 0:34:34It's what the boys use all the time. You can save another two blokes by using stilts.
0:34:36 > 0:34:41How are those stilts to work on? Are they...? They look a little bit weird.
0:34:41 > 0:34:46No, as soon as you've got a bit of balance, they're all right.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50'The plasterers have finished early, which is a great sign.'
0:34:50 > 0:34:53They're all done. The boys are off.
0:34:53 > 0:35:00Cheers. It's been emotional. Top man. 'They're nice, Christopher, but hold it together, mate.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04'We've still got work to do.' I'm going with them! 'Come back!
0:35:04 > 0:35:07'Come back, Chris, we need you! Chris!
0:35:08 > 0:35:14'Did I mention it's a bit of a squeeze? But the trades aren't bothered. Doing sterling work.
0:35:14 > 0:35:19'Baz might look like he's had an electric shock, but he can wire a house.'
0:35:19 > 0:35:24I've been four hours doing this, trying to make it look tidy.
0:35:24 > 0:35:30He hasn't been up here at all. He hasn't come and seen us, but he wants to claim it as his.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34'Same old, same old. Talking of Billy, where is he?
0:35:34 > 0:35:40'He's bunked off to join Harry at the Tae Kwon Do class.
0:35:40 > 0:35:48'Bit of a martial arts expert, our Billy. He's got pink socks in karate. Check out this move.'
0:35:48 > 0:35:51# Everybody was kung... #
0:35:51 > 0:35:56'Oh, he's pulled a hamstring. Bruce Lee he is not.'
0:35:56 > 0:35:59Watch out for that. It's dangerous.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04'Right, start again. Before his dad started work away from home,
0:36:04 > 0:36:11'Harry used to enjoy going to Tae Kwon Do classes with him. Mike's got home for one more class
0:36:11 > 0:36:17'and seeing as he's been away so much, he hasn't had the chance to collect his yellow belt until now.'
0:36:17 > 0:36:21If you'd like to come forward, Mike, and receive your yellow belt.
0:36:24 > 0:36:28Well done. 'Don't forget the bow, Billy.'
0:36:28 > 0:36:30Oh, sorry.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38- Did you enjoy it, Harry? - Yeah.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41What do you like best doing?
0:36:41 > 0:36:43Probably the self defence.
0:36:46 > 0:36:53I know Dad works away a lot. What's it like having your dad here today with you?
0:36:53 > 0:37:00It just feels great that he's able to just come along and I can do Tae Kwon Do with him.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03Very happy and very fun.
0:37:04 > 0:37:11While Harry and Mike enjoy some quality time, the rest of the family have fun with Gabby.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15Should I be wearing goggles?
0:37:15 > 0:37:21'She's caught up with them in the middle of an art therapy session with their teacher, Ann.
0:37:21 > 0:37:28'She can also get design ideas.' What does this sort of play do to help Zach and Ruben?
0:37:28 > 0:37:33It's helping in so many ways with their fine motor skills,
0:37:33 > 0:37:39using tools. They're learning to cope with mess and things on their hands.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43OK. Often also children with disabilities or special needs
0:37:43 > 0:37:48can have sensory delay and both of mine have had sensory delay.
0:37:48 > 0:37:54So doing this helps them catch up. Yeah. We have lots of fun, don't we?
0:37:54 > 0:37:57And Ruben loves blue, doesn't he?
0:37:57 > 0:38:02Yeah, he does. He does love blue. We found that by giving him options
0:38:02 > 0:38:05he'll always go for the blue option.
0:38:05 > 0:38:10'Hanna is incredibly selfless and does everything for her boys,
0:38:10 > 0:38:13'so we want to make sure she isn't left out.'
0:38:13 > 0:38:16So what do you like?
0:38:16 > 0:38:21If I could choose my own bedroom, I'd quite like some girliness.
0:38:21 > 0:38:26And I do love a bit of sparkle. I do quite like a bit of sparkle.
0:38:26 > 0:38:33About prints and fabrics and things, are there things you're drawn to at the moment that you love?
0:38:33 > 0:38:38I'm not afraid of pattern at all. I quite like a bird print. Good.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42I love bird prints. Yeah. That's given me loads of fun ideas.
0:38:42 > 0:38:47Oh, good. I'll have loads of fun with that. Lovely. Thank you.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52'And while the cat's away, the boys will play.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55'And I'm in!
0:38:57 > 0:38:59'Well done, Mark!
0:39:01 > 0:39:06'Yeah, he definitely skips like a girl. Got to have fun, though.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10'The pressure's really on and we've only got a couple of days.'
0:39:10 > 0:39:14How are you this morning? I'm just entering the zone.
0:39:14 > 0:39:19The flapping zone. Cushion arranging zone? Yeah.
0:39:19 > 0:39:24And lots of my people, curtain-maker type people, are about to descend. Oh, are they?
0:39:24 > 0:39:27'There's a lot of people in here already!'
0:39:27 > 0:39:33Look, very busy. One, two, three, four, five, six people in here.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38Can you find the sixth person?
0:39:38 > 0:39:40Are they in there?
0:39:40 > 0:39:44No, they're not. Are they under there? No, they're not.
0:39:44 > 0:39:49Are they tucked round the corner? No. You need to come to me
0:39:50 > 0:39:52Behind the door...
0:39:55 > 0:39:59So six people in here painting and there's a lot to paint, too.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02It's all very fiddly, bits and bobs.
0:40:02 > 0:40:07This is Green Acre... Mediterranean...
0:40:07 > 0:40:13Enjoying yourself up there? I'm loving it, mate. I love painting round obstacles.
0:40:13 > 0:40:18Every morning, I say, "I hope Billy has fitted them lights for me to go round."
0:40:18 > 0:40:23I pray every morning. "I hope there's an obstacle in my way." Billy never lets me down.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25I've got two!
0:40:25 > 0:40:31'Ruben's light display has become a real labour of love.'
0:40:31 > 0:40:38Enjoying yourself? Always have fun. The boys... Are you having fun? Yeah(!)
0:40:38 > 0:40:45'Yeah, right. While Darryl discovers his patient side, Matt is working his boat-building magic
0:40:45 > 0:40:51'into Zach and Harry's room. But downstairs it's not all plain sailing.'
0:40:53 > 0:40:58Oh, no! 'This unit is too big for the size of the room.'
0:40:58 > 0:41:05It wasn't ever cut to fit. We need to just discreetly chop the top off this, Ricardo,
0:41:05 > 0:41:11and not let Mark know anything about it. He'll chase me around and tease me all day.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15Quick, while he's not looking. It's got to be done properly.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17Surreptitiously, then.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21'You'll be lucky with something that size on a site this tight.
0:41:23 > 0:41:28'Nothing escapes the hawk-like instincts of our own Napoleon Bonaparte.
0:41:28 > 0:41:34'Here he comes, swooping on his prey.' You look worried. There's something you're not telling me.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38Just my normal worried look. I don't believe you.
0:41:38 > 0:41:43No, it's fine. We just don't want to... We don't want to chip it.
0:41:43 > 0:41:50You will tell me if something's wrong? Absolutely. You'll be the first to know. Thanks.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54Nothing to do with Gabrielle's measurements? No.
0:41:54 > 0:42:00You will let me know if anything's wrong? Absolutely, Mark. 'He'll find out and swoop in for the kill!'
0:42:03 > 0:42:09You just made them a little bit too small. I look after the technical things
0:42:09 > 0:42:15like these measurements... No, I gave you the right measurements. You just made them too small.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19Technically, my stuff was all right. You just, you know...
0:42:19 > 0:42:21It fits!
0:42:21 > 0:42:26'That's what it's all about - forgiving and moving on.' Nice. It's lovely.
0:42:26 > 0:42:30'Even Christopher has given Gabby what she wanted.'
0:42:30 > 0:42:38Flat ceilings. We got rid of the texturedness for you. Thank you. Are you a happy bunny?
0:42:38 > 0:42:44I am so happy. So happy. 'She'll be even happier when everything is in its place -
0:42:44 > 0:42:48'curtains to go up, cushion-fluffing to be done.'
0:42:48 > 0:42:52Shall we open it and see the loveliness?
0:42:52 > 0:42:58'But Darryl's done us proud.' I'm liking your lamp. I know. All that feeding through.
0:42:58 > 0:43:05It looks really good. Beautiful. What was your inspiration? It was an accident, to be honest.
0:43:05 > 0:43:12It looks really, really lovely and you can see the light travel down the wires.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16We could market it. Why don't we name it Dangly Bits?
0:43:16 > 0:43:21Soft Dangly Bits. DIY SOS Dangly Bits.
0:43:21 > 0:43:27That's got to sell. Darryl's Dangly Bits. Brilliant. Darryl's Dangly Bits!
0:43:29 > 0:43:33'Dangly bits aside, we're racing against the clock to get ready.'
0:43:39 > 0:43:44That's just about it, then. There's still a bit of toing and froing and pictures to go up,
0:43:44 > 0:43:51but we're pretty much done. And we got everyone in. All we've to do now is give it to the family.
0:43:54 > 0:44:00Just nine days ago, we arrived to find a family struggling in a small house
0:44:00 > 0:44:07which was utterly inadequate for their needs. At the moment, we're just existing, not living,
0:44:07 > 0:44:12but I know we could be so much happier if the house worked for us.
0:44:12 > 0:44:16'I'm looking forward most to the end of it'
0:44:16 > 0:44:22when I see everybody that's used their time to help us, a small family,
0:44:22 > 0:44:25and change five lives.
0:44:26 > 0:44:30And that's what the wonderful trades and suppliers have selflessly done -
0:44:30 > 0:44:34turned it into a home designed around their needs.
0:44:34 > 0:44:41They needed to be able to look after Ruben on one floor so we made the old kitchen into a calm boy's room
0:44:41 > 0:44:45with lights that will help him stay calm.
0:44:45 > 0:44:50The corner of the old living room is a wheelchair-accessible wet room
0:44:50 > 0:44:54complete with back-saving design the family so desperately needed.
0:44:54 > 0:45:01Elsewhere, a new streamlined kitchen and dining area provide a space where the whole family can fit in
0:45:01 > 0:45:05and eat together, something they've never done before.
0:45:05 > 0:45:10We've knocked out and extended the back of the house to create
0:45:10 > 0:45:13a bright and open living space.
0:45:13 > 0:45:19Windows in the roof and bi-fold doors bring the outside in.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24Upstairs, the old bathroom has had magic worked on it.
0:45:24 > 0:45:30The spell's left it sparkling, which Hanna should love.
0:45:30 > 0:45:35With the twins out of the master bedroom, Hanna and Mike finally get their own grown-up space back
0:45:35 > 0:45:39helping them for the short time Mike's home.
0:45:39 > 0:45:44Harry's old bedroom was cleverly adapted into a double boys' room
0:45:44 > 0:45:50with an amazing sense of space created by recessed bold and exciting sleeping pods.
0:45:50 > 0:45:52Colourful bed spaces to you and me.
0:45:52 > 0:45:57Because we felt Harry deserved a space of his own, we've lifted a wooden hideout in,
0:45:57 > 0:46:02giving him somewhere to chill out or have friends for a sleepover.
0:46:02 > 0:46:10It's been a huge challenge to squeeze every bit of space out, but thanks to all the volunteers,
0:46:10 > 0:46:16we can now give the family back a bigger, safer and easier home to live in.
0:46:16 > 0:46:23A place that meets their needs and enables them to move into the future with hope.
0:46:29 > 0:46:35I'm not sure how much of your house you're going to recognise. Ready? Yeah. OK, open your eyes.
0:46:44 > 0:46:47Totally changed, isn't it? I can't...
0:46:49 > 0:46:51It's amazing.
0:46:56 > 0:47:01I love it. Yeah? I absolutely love it.
0:47:02 > 0:47:07Oh, it's more than I could ever have thought. Thank you.
0:47:07 > 0:47:13Hey, listen, we've got lots to show you. I can see you're trying to work out where your house was.
0:47:13 > 0:47:18Yeah. Yeah. It looks like you've added... Something.
0:47:18 > 0:47:23Yeah, your house used to stop here. Oh, OK. Right.
0:47:23 > 0:47:26OK. Yeah, it did. Yeah.
0:47:26 > 0:47:31Dining area. The key thing was to get the maximum amount of space.
0:47:31 > 0:47:35We can all sit together. Yes, you can. Ruben's chair will come up.
0:47:35 > 0:47:41Yes, it will. I don't think we've ever sat together and had dinner.
0:47:42 > 0:47:44Pretty cool, huh?
0:47:46 > 0:47:54This is an induction hob, so basically you can switch it on and put your hand on and it won't work.
0:47:54 > 0:48:01It's only hot when it comes in contact with it, through the pan. Take it off and it's not hot.
0:48:01 > 0:48:04So it's safe for Zach. Exactly.
0:48:04 > 0:48:10Come through and have a look round. There's your new living room area. Oh, look!
0:48:10 > 0:48:17Skylights bring in a lot more light. If you extend the house, you have to bring more light into it somehow.
0:48:17 > 0:48:24And the floors are all the same level. And all the doorways now are wheelchair-width throughout.
0:48:24 > 0:48:28I just can't believe what you've managed to do.
0:48:28 > 0:48:35A lot of clever people have put their heart and soul into this. Going to set myself off again!
0:48:35 > 0:48:42Go through and look at a bit more. There's nothing for Zach to hurt himself on. No, our thing was
0:48:42 > 0:48:49you have to be able to run into it at 100 miles an hour so let's be careful, make sure it's rounded off.
0:48:49 > 0:48:52This is the next one. This room didn't used to exist.
0:48:59 > 0:49:00Wow.
0:49:02 > 0:49:04That's just...
0:49:05 > 0:49:10It's cool, isn't it? So Ruben's little wet room.
0:49:10 > 0:49:16Look how they got the drainage. I adore it. I absolutely love it.
0:49:16 > 0:49:20It's spacious as well. Really big. Our TARDIS, isn't it?
0:49:20 > 0:49:25Yeah. No more lifting him over the bath and...
0:49:25 > 0:49:32And also, for when we think about Zachary in the next few months,
0:49:32 > 0:49:37a downstairs toilet is fantastic for his development. Yeah, for training.
0:49:37 > 0:49:44We kind of knew this was key to the house. Yeah. You can't put a value on that, actually.
0:49:44 > 0:49:48It's just a way forward for the next chapter, as he grows.
0:49:48 > 0:49:55I didn't have an answer to it before. Want to see the other bit? Ruben's room. That is the big thing for me.
0:50:02 > 0:50:03Oh, wow.
0:50:06 > 0:50:08To think this was our kitchen.
0:50:08 > 0:50:14Yeah! It feels like a real proper little boy's room.
0:50:14 > 0:50:18It doesn't... say disabled, does it?
0:50:18 > 0:50:23You know, it says, "I'm a little boy and I'm three and I've got a really cool room."
0:50:25 > 0:50:28Come and see the other rooms? Yes, please.
0:50:28 > 0:50:31Harry and Zach's room.
0:50:33 > 0:50:38Oh, he will love it! Won't he love it, Mike? It's amazing.
0:50:38 > 0:50:40Is that all his precious things?
0:50:40 > 0:50:46Zach's side, obviously, a more low-level bed so he can get in and out himself.
0:50:46 > 0:50:52Making use of the storage underneath all the way along and over the top as well.
0:50:52 > 0:50:55Zach will be made up to be with Harry, won't he?
0:50:57 > 0:50:59Oh, my goodness me!
0:51:02 > 0:51:04Oh, it's just beautiful.
0:51:04 > 0:51:11Look at the shower there. I didn't know you'd touched this. It's really sparkly.
0:51:11 > 0:51:13I've got a bedroom to show you now.
0:51:16 > 0:51:18Wow.
0:51:20 > 0:51:23Oh, it's just...
0:51:23 > 0:51:25Oh, I love it!
0:51:26 > 0:51:28It's a proper grown-up room.
0:51:29 > 0:51:34Yeah, with a proper bed instead of a mattress.
0:51:34 > 0:51:36Oh, I'm so lucky.
0:51:37 > 0:51:39Look... Oh, I love bird print.
0:51:39 > 0:51:46Oh, I just love it. She's just totally got it right. She's clever, isn't she?
0:51:48 > 0:51:50Up there...
0:51:52 > 0:51:58So this has to be your haven now. This has to be the place where you recover.
0:51:58 > 0:52:03I think you've just given us the tools to do that now. We didn't have it before.
0:52:03 > 0:52:08And it really will... From today onwards, it's a different life.
0:52:08 > 0:52:11A new start.
0:52:11 > 0:52:15A new start. A positive, happy start.
0:52:15 > 0:52:17A lot of tears,
0:52:17 > 0:52:23but for the first time in three years they're really happy tears, not sad ones any more.
0:52:24 > 0:52:26Ready?
0:52:26 > 0:52:28What's this?
0:52:29 > 0:52:32What's this? Is that your bed?
0:52:32 > 0:52:34Yeah?
0:52:34 > 0:52:39Do you want to have a look? Have a look.
0:52:46 > 0:52:48Oh...
0:52:48 > 0:52:50Oh, wow!
0:52:50 > 0:52:52Wow!
0:52:52 > 0:52:56- It's your bed. - I'm speechless!
0:52:56 > 0:53:01- What do you think? - I love the big H! It's amazing.
0:53:01 > 0:53:05See if you can climb up there. All my stuff.
0:53:05 > 0:53:12You can lie up that end and turn the lights on and off. Awesome! That is really cool.
0:53:12 > 0:53:16- Thanks so much. - What do you think of Zach's bed?
0:53:16 > 0:53:19I like the big Z.
0:53:19 > 0:53:21I love it.
0:53:23 > 0:53:25Ruben...
0:53:25 > 0:53:28Look. This is your room.
0:53:30 > 0:53:32Good?
0:53:33 > 0:53:35Yeah. You see the bubbles?
0:53:35 > 0:53:37Bu... Bubble.
0:53:40 > 0:53:42Look.
0:53:44 > 0:53:46Yeah, it's good.
0:53:46 > 0:53:49Yeah. Good boy.
0:53:49 > 0:53:51Good boy.
0:53:57 > 0:53:59What is it?
0:53:59 > 0:54:04You want to see them? Ready? Is it a bird?
0:54:04 > 0:54:08A bird. Yeah, a bird. Is it good?
0:54:08 > 0:54:10Goo... Good.
0:54:10 > 0:54:14That's good. Is that good?
0:54:14 > 0:54:19He gets quite distressed quite easily with things he doesn't like. I know he's happy.
0:54:22 > 0:54:24He just loves it.
0:54:27 > 0:54:29Goo... Good, yeah.
0:54:35 > 0:54:37Is it good?
0:54:39 > 0:54:46He's going to be really all right in here. I think so. He looks very relaxed. He should be comfortable.
0:54:46 > 0:54:49Without a doubt, yeah.
0:54:50 > 0:54:52Oh, you're so lucky.
0:54:52 > 0:54:55One, two, three, go.
0:54:59 > 0:55:01Oh...!
0:55:02 > 0:55:04Harry, look!
0:55:04 > 0:55:07You lucky boy!
0:55:07 > 0:55:12Go and have a look. See what you think.
0:55:12 > 0:55:15Oh...ho ho! Wow!
0:55:15 > 0:55:19Look at the stuff! What do you think, Harry?
0:55:19 > 0:55:23That is just... I can't see you.
0:55:23 > 0:55:27NICK LAUGHS It's just amazing.
0:55:27 > 0:55:32It's just amazing. Go up and tell us what's up there.
0:55:34 > 0:55:39Wow! This whole thing is insulated.
0:55:39 > 0:55:45And it's got electric. It's got lights as well. It's just amazing. I love it.
0:55:45 > 0:55:51Would it be all right if we all went outside and said hello to the builders?
0:55:51 > 0:55:53APPLAUSE
0:55:59 > 0:56:01Thank you.
0:56:03 > 0:56:08I just cannot believe what you've achieved in the nine days.
0:56:08 > 0:56:15We were reaching a point where we were at crisis point and we didn't have anywhere to turn.
0:56:15 > 0:56:20And then you've come into our life and you've changed it.
0:56:20 > 0:56:27And you've taken a house that we were struggling with and you've given us back the most amazing home.
0:56:27 > 0:56:33Whatever the future now holds for our children, we know we can bring them up in a safe and happy place.
0:56:33 > 0:56:40It's down to you, isn't it? Yeah. We could never thank you enough. Thank you. Say thank you.
0:56:44 > 0:56:51It's amazing how everybody put so much hard work into changing our house. Just amazing.
0:56:51 > 0:56:53Thank you.
0:56:57 > 0:56:59Good boy.
0:57:00 > 0:57:07Remember your little Wendy house you told me about? You've got a big one. Yeah!
0:57:12 > 0:57:14HARRY: Well done. Amazing.
0:57:17 > 0:57:24You happy? You're the only one who's got that in the whole world. Enjoy it. Awesome. You're welcome.
0:57:24 > 0:57:30Somebody just said, "Isn't it amazing what ordinary people can do?" but they aren't ordinary.
0:57:30 > 0:57:36They're extraordinary. All these builders and people who have helped have done this for free
0:57:36 > 0:57:39for a family they don't even know.
0:57:39 > 0:57:44The reason is they hope if anything happens to them, people would help them, too.
0:57:44 > 0:57:50That's how you build a really good community and that's what we've seen. An amazing community.
0:57:50 > 0:57:54Maybe you know somebody who needs your help. Go on, be extraordinary.
0:58:20 > 0:58:23Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd