0:00:02 > 0:00:05I made a promise to Dakota when she was born that
0:00:05 > 0:00:08I would be there through everything that she goes through.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Dakota Read's condition is so extreme,
0:00:11 > 0:00:14her life expectancy is just 15 years.
0:00:14 > 0:00:16No mother wants to bury their child.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20That's why I want to do everything that I can
0:00:20 > 0:00:24to make sure that her life is as long as it possibly can be.
0:00:24 > 0:00:28We need to tear down these walls to create more space -
0:00:28 > 0:00:32it will help keep Dakota active and extend her life.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34And there it was - gone!
0:00:34 > 0:00:36Look at the space it's made, look at that.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38'We're trying to help a mother care for her daughter,
0:00:38 > 0:00:41'but Mother Nature is not on our side.'
0:00:41 > 0:00:44You're looking at our problem this morning, which is ice -
0:00:44 > 0:00:46it's minus four around here.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50Frozen sand.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53'But our local army are ready to tackle everything,
0:00:53 > 0:00:55'the stuff that makes the house work...'
0:00:55 > 0:00:58Seriously, who would want to be an electrician? Look at this.
0:00:58 > 0:00:59'..changes the way it looks...'
0:00:59 > 0:01:01You not a fan of a textured ceiling?
0:01:01 > 0:01:03It makes me go like this... NICK LAUGHS
0:01:03 > 0:01:05'..and keeps it standing up.'
0:01:05 > 0:01:07In builders' terminology, that's cock on.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10We have all the usual suspects with us, but, of course,
0:01:10 > 0:01:12we need a small army if this is going to get done,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15we need people outstanding in their field.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18Oh, look, there they are, out standing in their field.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22This is DIY SOS The Big Build!
0:01:22 > 0:01:25CHEERING
0:01:28 > 0:01:31Oh, outstanding. Out standing in a field.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35Oh, yeah!
0:01:48 > 0:01:51Welcome to Spalding in the Lincolnshire fens.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55Home to 43-year-old single mum Paula Read,
0:01:55 > 0:01:57and her three children,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00Lachan, Jake
0:02:00 > 0:02:02and eight-year-old Dakota.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07She is one amazing little girl.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14Complications at Dakota's birth nearly killed Paula
0:02:14 > 0:02:17and left Dakota with extreme needs.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22She's diagnosed as quadriplegic dystonic cerebral palsy,
0:02:22 > 0:02:25which basically means that all four limbs are affected
0:02:25 > 0:02:30and she can't control the movement of her arms and legs.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34She was born with no reflexes at all
0:02:34 > 0:02:38so she didn't have a swallow reflex or a gag reflex
0:02:38 > 0:02:42and, at that time, we were told that that's how she was going to be.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46For the first two weeks she didn't make a sound.
0:02:46 > 0:02:51I remember actually asking one of the staff on special care whether
0:02:51 > 0:02:56she was actually going to be mute and they said they couldn't say.
0:02:56 > 0:03:03Dakota can make basic sounds but she needs 24-hour attention.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07Before everything happened with Dakota,
0:03:07 > 0:03:11the idea was that she would share a bedroom with one of the other two.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14Obviously, that didn't then become appropriate
0:03:14 > 0:03:17because of all her medical needs
0:03:17 > 0:03:21and the things that she needs doing through the night.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26The family do everything they can to support each other.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29Mum obviously finds it difficult to do everything
0:03:29 > 0:03:32because it puts a lot of strain on her and a lot of pressure
0:03:32 > 0:03:35so we've got our own chores and things like that
0:03:35 > 0:03:37and do the dishes and clean the house.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40We also help with Dakota as well.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43If mum's busy at one point, then we help feed her
0:03:43 > 0:03:45and suction her and things.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48But, at night, Dakota needs professional carers,
0:03:48 > 0:03:50one of whom is Jackie.
0:03:50 > 0:03:56A child like Dakota is hard work and it takes a lot of patience.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00It's not just an ordinary disability
0:04:00 > 0:04:05and obviously the bigger Dakota's got, it's harder work.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09It may be hard work but it's also rewarding.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11She likes it when you sort of grab hold of her
0:04:11 > 0:04:14and pull her about and move her arms and wave her legs
0:04:14 > 0:04:17and she loves all that, she's just a normal little child really,
0:04:17 > 0:04:21it's just understanding her ways
0:04:21 > 0:04:24and she's the same as any other eight-year-old child.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29But this house is hurting Paula's growing girl.
0:04:30 > 0:04:35We've done as much as we can for Dakota,
0:04:35 > 0:04:38but when she's at home, most of her life is spent laying
0:04:38 > 0:04:44on the floor because she can't sit for any long period of time,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47and that is pretty much her life at home,
0:04:47 > 0:04:51which is very concerning with regards to her health,
0:04:51 > 0:04:56because Dakota was given a life expectancy of 15 years,
0:04:56 > 0:05:00but they said that if we could keep Dakota mobile,
0:05:00 > 0:05:04then we could potentially increase her life expectancy
0:05:04 > 0:05:08by another 21 years on top of that so she could live into her 30s.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11But it's just not possible in this house.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15Paula's fighting as hard as any mother would for her child.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19She knows there is a way that her little girl could live longer,
0:05:19 > 0:05:21but Paula can't provide it.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24No mother wants to bury their child.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27Dakota is eight years old now.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31We've been to three funerals of her friends...
0:05:32 > 0:05:39..and I can't go there with...
0:05:39 > 0:05:40with Dakota.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44So, I...
0:05:44 > 0:05:48I've got to do anything that I can to provide
0:05:48 > 0:05:52that space for her to be mobile
0:05:52 > 0:05:58so that I will know then that I've done everything that I can to
0:05:58 > 0:06:06not only give her a good life but to give her a longer life, so, yeah.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11The whole family have done whatever they can.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13When the carers needed a room,
0:06:13 > 0:06:17Jake had to move out to a hut in the garden.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21It's obviously cold and a bit noisy,
0:06:21 > 0:06:23but you just don't think about it, you think about the reason
0:06:23 > 0:06:27why I'm doing it so it's made my mum's life a little bit easier,
0:06:27 > 0:06:32so it's a bit of peace of mind to see that mum's got a better life.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37Dakota has changed this family in ways they might never have thought.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40We've had a much better life because of her.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44She's just made us all realise what we've got,
0:06:44 > 0:06:47and made us realise not to take anything for granted
0:06:47 > 0:06:52and things like that, so, yeah, she definitely brightens up our lives.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57Obviously, we've heard a little of your story already
0:06:57 > 0:07:00and now we've all turned up to start taking your house apart.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04It seems unlikely that changing the format of a house layout
0:07:04 > 0:07:08can have a direct link to a child's length of life.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Explain to us why that is connected.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13If Dakota is left just being able to...
0:07:13 > 0:07:17All she can do is lie on the floor or sit in a chair.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21As she gets older, her body is going to start compressing down
0:07:21 > 0:07:26on her internal organs so in order for that to...
0:07:26 > 0:07:30to be helped, she needs to be upright and be mobile,
0:07:30 > 0:07:34and so we really need the space for her
0:07:34 > 0:07:37to be able to use her walker in the home.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41Just for her to have her own freedom around the house,
0:07:41 > 0:07:44so she can you know move around like me and Jake,
0:07:44 > 0:07:47so obviously she sees me and Jake move around
0:07:47 > 0:07:50and it's a bit harsh on her because she can't so...
0:07:50 > 0:07:52So best to get you out of here and then we'll come
0:07:52 > 0:07:54and have a chat with you later on. Is that all right?
0:07:54 > 0:07:56OK, thank you so much, thank you.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59Time to move the family out and the build team in
0:07:59 > 0:08:01but, first, a few greetings.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04Hello, Dakota, how are you?
0:08:04 > 0:08:06Pleased to meet you.
0:08:06 > 0:08:07Hiya, Jules.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10Also, we've got some other friends turn up. Look.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12THEY LAUGH
0:08:12 > 0:08:14We've got a whole load of new friends. Morning.
0:08:14 > 0:08:15- ALL:- Morning.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- ELECTRONIC VOICE: - Hello, everyone, my name is Dakota.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23Thank you all so much for coming to help me be able to walk in my house.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- We'll see you later, Dakota. - ALL:- Bye.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28Thank you.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30'Right, let's get on with it.'
0:08:31 > 0:08:34The trades of Spalding have braved the winter temperatures
0:08:34 > 0:08:36and come out in force.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39They've left their own families for the chance of helping this mother
0:08:39 > 0:08:43and adding whatever time they can to the life of this plucky girl.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48To help Dakota keep mobile, we need to create a bit more house.
0:08:49 > 0:08:50What's going on here then?
0:08:50 > 0:08:53A small extension basically bringing this...
0:08:53 > 0:08:56all this front forward and make that room bigger.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- Hence the piece that we've already had built in the bottom there.- Yeah.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01And then all the timber frames are ready to go in.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- That sits on that, does it?- Yeah, pre-made timber frame, swing it in.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- Extending the roof and everything? - Oh, yeah, extending the roof.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11'Yeah, as if we'd leave it without a roof. Come on, Knowles, keep up.'
0:09:11 > 0:09:14This wall's coming out, but within this wall is a chimney breast
0:09:14 > 0:09:16that goes right up through the roof,
0:09:16 > 0:09:19so all the chimney and chimney breast has got to come down,
0:09:19 > 0:09:21that wall is coming out.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23If that wall is coming out and this wall is coming out,
0:09:23 > 0:09:25there's not much holding everything up is there?
0:09:25 > 0:09:27Well, that's why we've got the steels...
0:09:27 > 0:09:29- Is there a cross steel going that way as well?- Yeah.
0:09:29 > 0:09:30That's a lot of steel, innit?
0:09:30 > 0:09:33A lot of steel, boy, a lot of steel, it's all happening.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35It is all happening
0:09:35 > 0:09:38and it's all the brainchild of our designer, Gabrielle Blackman.
0:09:38 > 0:09:43- We've changed the layout to be more suitable for Dakota.- Yeah.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46And that's one of the main things, and also get Jake back in the house,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49so although this house looks lovely and fine,
0:09:49 > 0:09:52you know, like a house anyone would be happy to live in,
0:09:52 > 0:09:54in fact, it's just not working for this family so,
0:09:54 > 0:09:57I mean Jake can't even sleep in his own house at the moment,
0:09:57 > 0:09:59so we really need to rethink the whole layout.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02And that's exactly what she's done.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05So here's Gabby's plan.
0:10:06 > 0:10:07To give Dakota room to move,
0:10:07 > 0:10:11we're replacing the old conservatory with a small extension.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15Removing the redundant chimney and knocking down this wall
0:10:15 > 0:10:19and this one means we can create a huge open-plan living,
0:10:19 > 0:10:23cooking and dining area for the whole family.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27Dakota will be free to roam and take part in family life.
0:10:27 > 0:10:33A new entrance arrangement will make Paula's room a haven of calm.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36Blocking off part of the old kitchen will create the space to bring
0:10:36 > 0:10:40Jake back into the house, whilst leaving him with his own entrance.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44The corner of the old kitchen becomes a handy utility room.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47By moving the doorway, Lachan gets to keep her privacy.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51The carer's room gets a new look and Dakota's bedroom will be
0:10:51 > 0:10:55transformed to suit an eight-year-old girl.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58Lots to get on with then.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Starting up on the roof and it's going to be freezing up there.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03Luckily, I've come prepared.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07So I went and got myself a new pair of boots, thermal insoles,
0:11:07 > 0:11:10thermal socks, two pairs of thermal socks on.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Are they thermal 2.3 tog rating?
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- Tog rating? - Tog rating on your boots?
0:11:15 > 0:11:16- It's 2.3.- Tog rating?
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- Yeah, on the socks, yeah. - On your boots?- No, his socks.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- Oh, the socks. Togs on the socks? - Yeah.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24He's wearing a duvet on his feet.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26Yeah, basically, they're still in bed.
0:11:26 > 0:11:27Basically, they're still in bed.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29THEY LAUGH
0:11:29 > 0:11:32But the house isn't, and will be exposed to everything
0:11:32 > 0:11:36the weather can throw at us, because it's so flat around here.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38It's apparently known as New Holland.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42I've just found something out, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45You know we were saying that this area is called New Holland
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- cos it looks a bit like Holland. - South Holland.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50South Holland, because it looks a bit like Holland and...
0:11:50 > 0:11:51- Cos it's flat.- Explanation?
0:11:51 > 0:11:55Originally, years ago, well, millions of years ago,
0:11:55 > 0:11:58it was joined to Holland and then obviously...
0:11:58 > 0:12:02The tectonic plates split away just across the ocean,
0:12:02 > 0:12:04but that's why it looks so like Holland,
0:12:04 > 0:12:06cos if you actually put the land back together again,
0:12:06 > 0:12:08the rivers join up together according to my friend here.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- Have a look at the map. - Where did you learn that?- At school.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14See, we give you a bit of geography, bit of history,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17bit of tectonic plates movement-ology -
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- you learn everything on this job, don't you?- Yeah.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Not sure how accurate it is.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23Nonetheless, did I mention how cold it is?
0:12:23 > 0:12:26Poor Chris is suffering already.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- I've got really poorly lips. - Oh, no.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31And I went to a garage this morning...
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- and look at this, look. - Oh, Chris
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Who makes...?
0:12:36 > 0:12:37SHE CHUCKLES
0:12:40 > 0:12:42Oh, no. No, don't... That is so scary...
0:12:42 > 0:12:44I mean who makes a red...?
0:12:45 > 0:12:47You know, you're in pain, you run into the garage
0:12:47 > 0:12:50and say, "Have you got any lip balm?" "Yeah."
0:12:50 > 0:12:52So I put it on and he said, "You look like one of them
0:12:52 > 0:12:55"old birds that put lipstick around their chops."
0:12:55 > 0:12:57No, you just stop at the lips, you don't go...
0:12:57 > 0:12:58No, no, you don't go all round your face.
0:12:58 > 0:12:59I'm not used to putting...
0:12:59 > 0:13:01It suits him.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04You think so? Really?
0:13:04 > 0:13:06I find it slightly disturbing.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09Paula's children, Jake and Lachan, are both very active,
0:13:09 > 0:13:11and their chosen sport is hockey.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14We have our own hockey stars on-site.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16You're ice hockey players?
0:13:16 > 0:13:18- Yeah, that's right. - Is that right?
0:13:18 > 0:13:21Like properly ice hockey players, cos I was wondering if it was
0:13:21 > 0:13:24something the family could do, but they're not necessarily skaters.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26Well, I can take them on the ice and take them around the ice.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- Can you?- It's not a problem.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30- Well, even Dakota? - Even Dakota, yeah.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32We could go on the ice and push her around.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- Oh, she'd enjoy that, I think. - Yeah, I think so.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36She loves all that kind of stuff.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39'I know someone else who will enjoy that sort of challenge.'
0:13:39 > 0:13:42You know how you always go on about your sporting prowess?
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Yeah, yeah, I am pretty good at every sport.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48And you know how you said that you used to play
0:13:48 > 0:13:50for that Canadian ice hockey team?
0:13:50 > 0:13:53You coming through? Sorry, just squeeze this way.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57The Ottawa Wolves, yeah.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Well, in order to prove the point,
0:14:00 > 0:14:04I've organised for you to go ice skating with some guys who play
0:14:04 > 0:14:08ice hockey on Monday, and they'll take the family out as well,
0:14:08 > 0:14:10so you can take Dakota out on the ice
0:14:10 > 0:14:11and give her a little ice skate round.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- I haven't let a goal in in 38 years. - Is that right?
0:14:14 > 0:14:16That's right, that's right, but it just...
0:14:16 > 0:14:18To take Dakota will be lovely, it will be amazing.
0:14:18 > 0:14:23'Yep, but first, there's the small matter of the build to get going.'
0:14:23 > 0:14:25You not a fan of a textured ceiling?
0:14:25 > 0:14:28No, it makes me go...
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- It makes me go like this... - NICK CHUCKLES
0:14:32 > 0:14:34Now there's a thought,
0:14:34 > 0:14:36I know someone who could do with a pair of those.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40Go on, then.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42The only worrying thing is, though...
0:14:42 > 0:14:44Look forward, look forward.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46You know the worrying thing is
0:14:46 > 0:14:48that he's still too short to skim the ceiling. Look.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50Can you reach up and touch the ceiling?
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- Just.- Just!- Just.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- That's the first time... - How does that feel, eh?
0:14:55 > 0:14:59A big nose looking up at you. Well, looking down at you.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01It's an insight into what it's like to be you.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03THEY CHUCKLE
0:15:12 > 0:15:14To create the space this family need,
0:15:14 > 0:15:17we have to get the chimney down and this wall out all in one day
0:15:17 > 0:15:20so it's Chris on one side and Jules on the other.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22We could have done with this lot
0:15:22 > 0:15:25when they were digging the Channel Tunnel.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- Hello.- Bonjour.- Welcome to England. - Thanks very much.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30And there it was. Gone.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Look at the space it's made, look at that.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35This is now going to be like this one big open area,
0:15:35 > 0:15:37kitchen in here, little worktop in here,
0:15:37 > 0:15:41worktop there, bedroom over there, all makes sense now, doesn't it?
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Good job, lads. Well done, brilliant.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- These guys.- Yeah, fantastic.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50'This is just the sort of back-breaking work the designers,
0:15:50 > 0:15:51'well, kind of take for granted.'
0:15:51 > 0:15:53I imagine you'd sort of envisaged that,
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- when you walked in, you don't see walls?- I don't.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00You don't see walls, you don't see doors,
0:16:00 > 0:16:02you don't see windows, you don't see problems.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05They're also very easy to remove on CAD,
0:16:05 > 0:16:08as opposed to real-life, a little bit harder to move.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10Yeah, what just take it out, scrub it out on the computer.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11And it's gone.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14- Yeah, it's funny how quick that happens compared to real life.- Yeah.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Thank goodness we've got the magnificent and good looking
0:16:17 > 0:16:21people to do the hard graft to turn those plans into reality.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23It's just nice to do something for...
0:16:23 > 0:16:25for someone who needs the help, really.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27I'd like to think that if I needed help one day
0:16:27 > 0:16:30that somebody'd help me, so, swings and roundabouts, isn't it?
0:16:30 > 0:16:32My wife works in a special needs school as well,
0:16:32 > 0:16:34so now I can sort of take...
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Take it a bit on board and appreciate what she does.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39It's an interesting point though, isn't it, that your wife works
0:16:39 > 0:16:42with children all the time and so gives something to the community
0:16:42 > 0:16:45and you, now, this is your turn, your opportunity to do the same,
0:16:45 > 0:16:48cos I don't know if I could do what your wife does, for example.
0:16:48 > 0:16:49No, I couldn't do what she does personally
0:16:49 > 0:16:52but she couldn't do what I do, that's why we're all different.
0:16:52 > 0:16:53Well, she probably could.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55THEY LAUGH
0:16:55 > 0:16:57'There are of course two young adults in the family
0:16:57 > 0:17:01'who have had to learn how to deal with Dakota's specific needs,
0:17:01 > 0:17:04'so I'm off to catch up with Jake and Lachan at their school.'
0:17:04 > 0:17:06How have the last few years been?
0:17:06 > 0:17:09Obviously, very tough on your mum and especially as that not only
0:17:09 > 0:17:11does Dakota have the difficulties she has
0:17:11 > 0:17:14but, in giving birth to Dakota,
0:17:14 > 0:17:16it caused a lot of problems for your mum.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19How does that manifest itself in sort of day-to-day life?
0:17:19 > 0:17:21She gets a lot of like back problems and she gets really tired
0:17:21 > 0:17:24easily because she suffers from insomnia as well.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Obviously, when she gets a chance to sleep,
0:17:27 > 0:17:30although she gets night carers on, she still can't sleep.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32She'll often have to get up throughout the night
0:17:32 > 0:17:36and see to Dakota three, four times a night.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38Dakota will wake up about three o'clock
0:17:38 > 0:17:42and Mum just has to stay up and look after Dakota from three o'clock
0:17:42 > 0:17:45in the morning then go throughout her normal day and...
0:17:45 > 0:17:49Do you think people value ordinary, everyday normality
0:17:49 > 0:17:50as much as they should?
0:17:50 > 0:17:52No.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54I feel that we were a bit like that before though...
0:17:54 > 0:17:55Yeah, that's the thing...
0:17:55 > 0:17:57I mean, Dakota changed our outlook on life,
0:17:57 > 0:18:00so we would look completely different at the world before
0:18:00 > 0:18:03she came along, disability and things like that, we didn't
0:18:03 > 0:18:06have much of an idea about what it was and what it stops you doing
0:18:06 > 0:18:09and how it affects the family, but now we're in that situation,
0:18:09 > 0:18:13we know it clearly, we know it quite well, what it can do to families.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16So your whole growing-up life has been...
0:18:16 > 0:18:17Based around...
0:18:17 > 0:18:19..based around your mum looking after Dakota
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- and dealing with her own injuries and pain as well?- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24That's a lot to take on for you guys.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27Yeah, but it's not really a hassle...
0:18:27 > 0:18:29You barely notice it, do you?
0:18:29 > 0:18:31I mean that's how life has always been for us
0:18:31 > 0:18:33- so we don't feel put out at all. - Yeah.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35And you feel love from Dakota?
0:18:35 > 0:18:37Yeah.
0:18:37 > 0:18:38You know when she's happy?
0:18:38 > 0:18:41Yeah, I think that's the best thing, just to see her smile and laugh.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45That is, I think, for the whole family, the most rewarding thing.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Does that time limit on her life expectancy
0:18:48 > 0:18:50worry you on a day-to-day basis?
0:18:50 > 0:18:53Do you think about it or do you just get on with things
0:18:53 > 0:18:54and try to put it out of your mind?
0:18:54 > 0:18:57I just try to put it out of my mind, cos obviously,
0:18:57 > 0:19:01if you do ever think about then it's quite emotional to think about,
0:19:01 > 0:19:02so it's quite difficult.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07We all realise that Dakota has the life expectancy that she has,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10and she may not live much longer,
0:19:10 > 0:19:15but we...we're always hopeful that with help from you guys
0:19:15 > 0:19:19and help from other people, there's new research and things coming in,
0:19:19 > 0:19:22that her life can be improved, she can live a long, healthy life,
0:19:22 > 0:19:23so we...
0:19:23 > 0:19:27I think we kind of just put it out because we...we hope
0:19:27 > 0:19:32and we honestly believe that Dakota will live longer than is said.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36I think your mum should be very proud of you, I'm sure she is,
0:19:36 > 0:19:38I know for a fact she is cos I've talked to her about you
0:19:38 > 0:19:41and she is very proud of you and quite rightly too. I think
0:19:41 > 0:19:43that with all that you've got to deal with in your young lives
0:19:43 > 0:19:48and for you do it with such good grace is very impressive.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- Thank you. - Been nice chatting to you.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53'You have to be impressed with two such selfless young adults,
0:19:53 > 0:19:54'don't you think?
0:19:54 > 0:19:57'We've got to make sure the build works for them
0:19:57 > 0:19:59'as well as for Paula and Dakota.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03'And there are around 50 builders onsite on day one alone
0:20:03 > 0:20:06'making sure that happens.'
0:20:06 > 0:20:09I think end of the first day is one of my favourite times cos it
0:20:09 > 0:20:12just shows how much you can do when everyone's trying really hard.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15Despite the freezing temperatures, we have an extension already
0:20:15 > 0:20:17and there is a roof actually going on it.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20If you come over this side of the room, what's amazing also is
0:20:20 > 0:20:23that we're getting plaster going on the ceilings even at this stage.
0:20:23 > 0:20:24Well done, gentlemen.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26Lovely job in there, looking very good.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28And in Dakota's wet room, that's being re-vamped
0:20:28 > 0:20:31and the bedroom and so and so forth, lots being done,
0:20:31 > 0:20:33but I suppose the biggest change is in here.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35Can you just step back, gentlemen, so we can show this?
0:20:35 > 0:20:37I'm standing where there used to be a giant chimney,
0:20:37 > 0:20:40and now, just look at the size of the room that it's opened up -
0:20:40 > 0:20:42this vast area, and that was the key to it,
0:20:42 > 0:20:44to give Dakota the room to move around,
0:20:44 > 0:20:46you can see it coming together now, can't you?
0:20:46 > 0:20:47After just one day, well done, everybody,
0:20:47 > 0:20:49give yourselves a round of applause.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52Fantastic. A very muted round of applause
0:20:52 > 0:20:55cos everyone's wearing gloves, and it's still freezing.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06We have made a great start,
0:21:06 > 0:21:09but Mother Nature seems intent on holding us up.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14You're looking at our problem this morning, which is ice -
0:21:14 > 0:21:16it's minus four around here,
0:21:16 > 0:21:20which means that the concrete won't go off, the plaster won't go off,
0:21:20 > 0:21:22which means the mortar between bricks won't go off,
0:21:22 > 0:21:24we've got bricklaying to do today,
0:21:24 > 0:21:27so bit of a worry. We're going to have to heat the site somehow,
0:21:27 > 0:21:30which is difficult in the open air, isn't it?
0:21:30 > 0:21:34Cold equals delay for us, and we haven't got time to delay,
0:21:34 > 0:21:38cos we only have eight days left to finish this job.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41It's very cold this morning. We're struggling with the plaster,
0:21:41 > 0:21:42it's not setting, it's too cold.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46I'm going to find Knowlsey, he's full of hot air.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48'He's only joking, isn't he?
0:21:48 > 0:21:51'Our solution involves gas, and not from the builders.'
0:21:52 > 0:21:55This is our solution to our freezing weather problem,
0:21:55 > 0:22:00gas canisters, heaters that will blow hot air in under this skirt.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02Basically, we've put in an enormous great skirt
0:22:02 > 0:22:07around the building in the hope that this hot air will just hold long
0:22:07 > 0:22:10enough before dissipating up through the scaffolding and away that
0:22:10 > 0:22:15the bricklayers will be able to get their mortar to go off in-between.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18But it all depends on just how cold it gets,
0:22:18 > 0:22:22gone to minus five now so we'll see how we get on.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25But it's going to take more than bricks to hold this house up.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28We need some steels and here they are.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30What is the point in me being part of the carrying crew?
0:22:30 > 0:22:33Really, it just doesn't work, does it?
0:22:33 > 0:22:35Well, he is trying to be useful.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43Tell you what, I'll take this one, all right?
0:22:45 > 0:22:46Yeah, thanks, Mark.
0:22:50 > 0:22:51Ready?
0:22:51 > 0:22:53One, two, three, in she goes.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55'This is serious business.'
0:22:55 > 0:22:57- OK!- Yeah.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- METAL CLANGING - Whoa, whoa, whoa! That's it.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01Getting some support into the house.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07The trouble with steels is they are rigid and straight,
0:23:07 > 0:23:11which old houses tend not to be but after a great deal of finessing,
0:23:11 > 0:23:15with a hammer, Chris gives it the builder's seal of approval.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19In builder's terminology, that's cock on, that is.
0:23:19 > 0:23:20No, really?
0:23:20 > 0:23:22That's the official term, is it? Thanks.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26Our heaters do seem to be doing the job,
0:23:26 > 0:23:29but they're creating a bit of collateral damage.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32Everyone is whinging about how cold it is.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35Boiling, they need to get in here.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37- You all right, are you? - Yeah, it's lovely and hot, yeah.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39- I cannot believe you. - I've got my shorts on.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41This is the truth - he came to me five minutes ago
0:23:41 > 0:23:44and he said, "Got to turn the heater off, man, I am too hot."
0:23:44 > 0:23:46Too hot, I was getting too hot, sweating.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49The only man on the site complaining about the heat.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51That's sweating.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53Now, Jake's bedroom will be right next to the kitchen
0:23:53 > 0:23:55and I'm a bit worried about noise transfer.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58We're putting soundproof board on the partition walls
0:23:58 > 0:24:01between the bedroom and the kitchen,
0:24:01 > 0:24:03so that when Jake goes in there in his bedroom,
0:24:03 > 0:24:05he's got a nice quiet bedroom.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08Giving him a perfect cosy room.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11It's a flat roof ceiling with no insulation.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14Ah, I wondered why you'd gone to ripping it all down.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17So we can insulate it and re-plasterboard it.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20'Like I said, plenty cosy, but there's still lots to do,
0:24:20 > 0:24:24'and the weather forecast says snow later in the week.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27'With so much to get stuck into on every build, it's easy to miss
0:24:27 > 0:24:29'the attractions an area can offer,
0:24:29 > 0:24:32'but I know if Jules just looks out of the window,
0:24:32 > 0:24:34'he's going to be made up.'
0:24:34 > 0:24:36What's out there in the field?
0:24:36 > 0:24:38Cabbage.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40Like a bit of cabbage, don't you?
0:24:40 > 0:24:43I spotted that, might go and sample some of that in a minute.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45'But the cabbage will have to wait.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48'I think I've spotted a mistake in our plans.'
0:24:48 > 0:24:50- Well, we have an issue.- Yeah.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52According to your plans, you come into the front door with
0:24:52 > 0:24:57Dakota in the wheelchair and then you have to do a left-hand turn,
0:24:57 > 0:25:00and we have to put a disabled-size door,
0:25:00 > 0:25:04a disabled access door in here which opens into the room hugely.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06See the plan here.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09See, comes in...just over here.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12That's the thing there, so what you want to do is,
0:25:12 > 0:25:14better still, well, look, here you go.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16Wheelchair access coming through
0:25:16 > 0:25:19and open the door THIS way so you can actually go
0:25:19 > 0:25:22straight on ahead and you don't have that difficult turn to the left.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25We need that there because that's the fridge.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28- Where's the fridge? - Here, so that's fine.
0:25:28 > 0:25:29Why don't you put it over there?
0:25:29 > 0:25:31It's not that far away.
0:25:31 > 0:25:32I know but, look.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34You stay there, you be the fridge.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Similar size and shape anyway, so I'm...
0:25:37 > 0:25:38I heard that, Knowles!
0:25:38 > 0:25:40He didn't mean it, he didn't mean it.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43So here I am, I'm making a souffle I've got my eggs, I need some milk.
0:25:43 > 0:25:44What do you need, Nick?
0:25:44 > 0:25:46I need some milk!
0:25:46 > 0:25:48I tell you what, I'll go and get the milk.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51Hang on a second, I've gone off the idea of souffle, I'm going out.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53Do you actually use milk in a souffle?
0:25:53 > 0:25:55I don't know. I'm guessing, to be honest.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58If this is a dictatorship, I'm not having it.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01The cabinets are ordered, it's going where it's going,
0:26:01 > 0:26:04you know, it's an American-style fridge.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06So you're just going to make a decision like that,
0:26:06 > 0:26:08it doesn't matter what the people think.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10American-style fridge, but no democracy.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12No.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14I can't believe I'm having to do this.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16- OK, so how far am I here? - Right over here.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19No, but we're not at the fridge yet, babe, we're not at the fridge.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21- 3.6m.- Hang on.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27Stop it! Stop it!
0:26:27 > 0:26:28Sorry, my love, hang on.
0:26:28 > 0:26:29NICK CACKLES
0:26:29 > 0:26:31She's so easy to wind up.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34You broke his tape measure now, Nick.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36Just by the door, Nick.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42- 8.3.- Shut up, no way!
0:26:42 > 0:26:45- I'll go and make sure he's not lying.- Just check.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48It's not 8.3.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50What does that say? 8.3?
0:26:50 > 0:26:52- That is not 8m.- Why not?
0:26:52 > 0:26:54It's a 5-metre tape.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56Yeah, she's rumbled us a little bit!
0:26:56 > 0:26:58THEY LAUGH
0:26:58 > 0:27:00Oops.
0:27:00 > 0:27:01'I guess the fridge will stay
0:27:01 > 0:27:04'exactly where she says it will, then.'
0:27:04 > 0:27:05So come with me this way.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07'Right, time to get sensible because Paula's parents
0:27:07 > 0:27:10'have turned up to check on the progress of the build.'
0:27:10 > 0:27:14How hard have the last few years been on mum?
0:27:14 > 0:27:19Well, it's been a strain on her and she's...she's taken the...
0:27:19 > 0:27:24the brunt of it all and she's done an excellent job, you know.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26Nobody wants to see their kids die young,
0:27:26 > 0:27:30Paula doesn't and she's done everything she's possibly can.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33- I...I, you know...- You're very proud of her, aren't you?
0:27:33 > 0:27:36I am, yeah, because she's done...
0:27:36 > 0:27:39She's done more than I could have ever done,
0:27:39 > 0:27:42I'll be honest with you, nor Jeannie.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44We would never have been able to do what she's done.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47She puts her before everything else.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49Even her own self.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52Even herself, and she puts her before her.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55How much has it meant to you the degree to which the community
0:27:55 > 0:27:57has come together to support her?
0:27:57 > 0:28:01Marvellous, the spirit within this country is still there.
0:28:01 > 0:28:06The one I knew when I was a kid, and all one needs is to stir it up
0:28:06 > 0:28:10a little bit, and you stir it up, I'm pleased that you stir it up,
0:28:10 > 0:28:13your programme stirs it up, you know,
0:28:13 > 0:28:16and all the guys you've got as your team, they stir it up,
0:28:16 > 0:28:18and we're talking on the phone and they come,
0:28:18 > 0:28:21they always come over excited about what's going to be on,
0:28:21 > 0:28:24and then we catch the excitement as well.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28There's a reason we all get so involved -
0:28:28 > 0:28:30me, the guys, the builders on-site.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33Because we've all got families, too, including Jules.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37You know, you always obviously wish for a perfectly healthy child.
0:28:37 > 0:28:43My daughter's got a syndrome and that was just like what
0:28:43 > 0:28:48they call a mutation, just a blip in the DNA when, you know,
0:28:48 > 0:28:50and they say you...
0:28:50 > 0:28:54But when something like that happens to you, it's just...
0:28:54 > 0:28:57it's just like a natural instinct, really
0:28:57 > 0:29:00just to, you know, obviously, you want the best for them, you want
0:29:00 > 0:29:03to look after them, you just want to do what you can for them.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09When your child has got a problem or an illness,
0:29:09 > 0:29:11you just wish you could take it away,
0:29:11 > 0:29:13but, of course, you can't, you know?
0:29:13 > 0:29:17You'd sooner have it put on yourself than put on your children,
0:29:17 > 0:29:19but you don't get that choice, do you?
0:29:19 > 0:29:23That's it, just got to crack on and get it done.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35'The house is packed with trades,
0:29:35 > 0:29:39'all using their unique skills to, well, to help get it done.'
0:29:39 > 0:29:42Stuart's up, one of our leccies is up there still crawling around
0:29:42 > 0:29:43in the rafters.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46See, I don't like electrics, it's like cos it's got teeth.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50You get it wrong and it bites you, it's horrible, I don't like it.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52But, anyway, happy up there?
0:29:52 > 0:29:54Warmest part of the house, I should imagine?
0:29:54 > 0:29:55Oh, it's smashing up here.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59'In Dakota's bathroom, we're completely redecorating.
0:29:59 > 0:30:00'Paula has back problems
0:30:00 > 0:30:03'so, to help her, we've tailored the height of the bath to her needs.'
0:30:03 > 0:30:07The whole point of raising the bath is so that Paula is...
0:30:07 > 0:30:10We've measured the height of it to her waist height so she's
0:30:10 > 0:30:13slightly smaller than me, so that she can lean against it and it's
0:30:13 > 0:30:17the perfect height to be able to help Dakota in and out of the bath,
0:30:17 > 0:30:19whereas it was a little bit low and it makes a big difference.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22You're not worried about losing money by coming and helping us out?
0:30:22 > 0:30:24No, not at all, no.
0:30:24 > 0:30:25Why not?
0:30:25 > 0:30:28You could be somewhere warm, you could have a desk job somewhere.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31I could do but I enjoy doing this and, whatever you do,
0:30:31 > 0:30:34enjoy what you do, because if you don't enjoy it,
0:30:34 > 0:30:36you're not going to be happy there.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38There you go, you see.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41A bit of psychological help with you as well. We do everything here.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44Later on in the programme, we'll be doing a recipe,
0:30:44 > 0:30:45stay with us until then.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47THEY CHUCKLE
0:30:47 > 0:30:49Amazing, don't you think?
0:30:49 > 0:30:51Halfway through and the build's in full flow.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05There is a definite rhythm to the site, you know, you get hammering,
0:31:05 > 0:31:09drilling, sawing, it all comes together and it's almost...
0:31:09 > 0:31:11almost musical.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19See? Just listen to it. It's there all the time.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24That track will not be available at Christmas
0:31:24 > 0:31:25or any other time of the year.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28It's around this stage of the build that the house starts to look like
0:31:28 > 0:31:33a home again, so Billy's made time to take the family to the ice rink.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36Was he telling the truth about his skating prowess?
0:31:36 > 0:31:38What do you think?
0:31:38 > 0:31:41I know I talk that I haven't had a goal scored against me
0:31:41 > 0:31:45in 38 years, but I haven't played for 38 years either.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47'Thanks to her walker,
0:31:47 > 0:31:51'Dakota can join the rest of the family on the ice.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53'Billy's got a special walker too.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59'Lucky then that scaffolders Darryl and Glen are on hand to help.'
0:32:01 > 0:32:03Well, you've got to have style.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07'And he's as natural as a walrus on the ice.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10'Well, he smells of fish perhaps is the similarity there.'
0:32:10 > 0:32:12Is Dakota enjoying it? She seems to be enjoying it.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15She looks as though she's loving it, absolutely loving it.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17We're going to have to make this a regular thing,
0:32:17 > 0:32:19coming down on the ice with her.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21They look like they've taken to the ice very well,
0:32:21 > 0:32:22Lachan and Jake, haven't they?
0:32:22 > 0:32:27They seem to pick up any sport, the two of them, it's not fair.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31Well, obviously, when I was younger, I was about to say...
0:32:32 > 0:32:34Where you going?
0:32:34 > 0:32:37Don't move when I'm talking to you.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41'And talking of sport, there's one more treat in store out on the ice.'
0:32:44 > 0:32:45All right, let me at 'em.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50Yep, that is Billy.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52Keep your eye on the puck.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55I can't even see the puck!
0:33:01 > 0:33:02'Still hasn't let a goal in.'
0:33:02 > 0:33:04One, two, three.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06- ALL:- Yeah!
0:33:06 > 0:33:07'Has now.'
0:33:07 > 0:33:09Well done, Dakota.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13I'm 63 years old, don't.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16I'm an electrician.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18'He's getting it now, isn't he? Serves you right.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21'Not let a goal in for 38 years, Billy Byrne?
0:33:21 > 0:33:22'Billy Bragg more like.'
0:33:25 > 0:33:27It may be beautiful to look at
0:33:27 > 0:33:30but this weather is murder on the build,
0:33:30 > 0:33:33and we can't let it hold us up.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36Tiles are frozen.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41What's the best thing about working in sub-zero temperatures?
0:33:41 > 0:33:42Let me think.
0:33:45 > 0:33:46I can't actually think of anything.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50'I think he's got brain freeze, common in these parts.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52'We have an unexpected guest.'
0:33:52 > 0:33:56This is very exciting, Billy's old schoolmate who he knew when
0:33:56 > 0:34:02he was like 11, and last saw 30-odd years ago has turned up apparently.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04Where's he to?
0:34:04 > 0:34:06'All those stories, all those claims,
0:34:06 > 0:34:09'at last we'll find out - it's Billy's moment of truth.'
0:34:09 > 0:34:11You all right?
0:34:13 > 0:34:14You haven't changed a bit.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16Oh, well, I've always looked old.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18You've got to say the same about me now.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21How are you, Pete? You all well?
0:34:21 > 0:34:26We were best buddies from 1961-65 at school.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28He was the top mod in Welwyn Garden City.
0:34:28 > 0:34:29The top mod?
0:34:29 > 0:34:32Yeah, he had a fishtail parka, Vespa XS,
0:34:32 > 0:34:34remember your red Vespa XS?
0:34:34 > 0:34:36Look, I'm not even saying it...
0:34:36 > 0:34:38He's claimed all this for years and...
0:34:38 > 0:34:40- Everybody knew him, everybody knew him.- Is that right?
0:34:40 > 0:34:42They won't believe me that when I used to go out,
0:34:42 > 0:34:46girls used to find out where I was going that night and...
0:34:46 > 0:34:47And turn up.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49- Is that actually true? - Yes, yes seriously.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51I think we'd probably best leave them to it,
0:34:51 > 0:34:52or we'll be here a while.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55It's worrying though after all these years of taking the mick,
0:34:55 > 0:34:57it turns out all the stuff he's been claiming is true.
0:34:57 > 0:34:58THEY LAUGH
0:34:58 > 0:35:00Aw, bless him.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04Now, we're battling the elements to stay on track with the build,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07and that means doing everything we can to speed up drying times,
0:35:07 > 0:35:09we simply can't wait.
0:35:09 > 0:35:10So the roof is getting its own blanket,
0:35:10 > 0:35:12but it's too cold inside as well,
0:35:12 > 0:35:15which is why we've got heaters in every room.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17They were supposed to grout these tiles this morning
0:35:17 > 0:35:20and they've put them back half a day and it's put us back
0:35:20 > 0:35:23at least two or three hours, but that's what the weather does to you.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25We'll soldier on though.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29Gabby's so impressed with these plasterers,
0:35:29 > 0:35:31she's left her shadow to do the designing
0:35:31 > 0:35:34while she takes a little time out to...
0:35:34 > 0:35:36Well, you know what's coming up.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39That is so terrible.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44You will make this better, won't you?
0:35:44 > 0:35:47Because this is the worst thing I've ever seen.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49How can this be so wonky?
0:35:49 > 0:35:52Isn't she the one who doesn't like textured ceilings?
0:35:52 > 0:35:54Gabrielle, what are you doing?
0:35:54 > 0:35:56You better be really worried, mate, cos look,
0:35:56 > 0:35:58I've done a bit of plastering, I'm a natural.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02I always say you need a second vocation in life, so when
0:36:02 > 0:36:05the designing goes all Pete Tong you can double up as a spread.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10- How much practice do you think I need?- 23, 22 years.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16We're helping a mother and her child.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19When Paula needed somewhere to stay while we do the build,
0:36:19 > 0:36:23she turned to her own parents, because parenthood never stops.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27Do you ever just feel like not getting out of bed in the morning?
0:36:29 > 0:36:33A lot of times. A lot of times, but you know when...
0:36:34 > 0:36:39When I see Dakota, Dakota and the other two children,
0:36:39 > 0:36:44they are my reason to get out of bed, they are my reason to keep going.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48I made a promise to Dakota when she was born that I would be there
0:36:48 > 0:36:53through everything that she goes through, whether that was out of...
0:36:53 > 0:36:56- That's just you and her laying in the hospital bed?- Yes, yeah.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00Whether that was born out of the guilt side of things,
0:37:00 > 0:37:04I don't know, but that's always been the way.
0:37:04 > 0:37:09When I look at Dakota, every day is worth it. When she smiles,
0:37:09 > 0:37:16when she achieves just a minute step, when she made her first sound,
0:37:16 > 0:37:22just little things like that far exceed, for me, with the other two
0:37:22 > 0:37:26like when they learned to walk which is great when you're a parent,
0:37:26 > 0:37:29when your child gets up and takes their first steps.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33But, for Dakota, for her to actually...
0:37:33 > 0:37:37For her to make that first sound was incredible.
0:37:37 > 0:37:38Um, so...
0:37:39 > 0:37:42There's an amazing connection I've noticed between Lachan
0:37:42 > 0:37:45and Dakota, they sort of have a conversation with their eyes,
0:37:45 > 0:37:47and Jake's moved out of the house into the garden
0:37:47 > 0:37:49to give room for the carer.
0:37:49 > 0:37:50They're amazing, those two, aren't they?
0:37:50 > 0:37:53I couldn't do this if I didn't have them.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55Um, they are...
0:37:55 > 0:38:01They are the main part of my support network and they're brilliant.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05I think where they've missed out on is my time
0:38:05 > 0:38:09because I have to spend so much time with Dakota.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11They don't complain, though,
0:38:11 > 0:38:13and they're incredibly well balanced young adults.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16They never complain, not about that, no.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19- That's pretty special in itself, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:38:20 > 0:38:25It's a unique relationship that I have with Dakota,
0:38:25 > 0:38:30she's so dependent on me and my life revolves around her care.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36I think you get into a situation which is why
0:38:36 > 0:38:39I was desperate to have the home open-plan
0:38:39 > 0:38:45because the thought of that...
0:38:45 > 0:38:50relationship ending at 15...
0:38:50 > 0:38:56in a few years' time, that's just not, that's not thinkable for me.
0:38:56 > 0:39:02And so that's why I want to do everything that I can
0:39:02 > 0:39:06to make sure that her life is as long as it possibly can be.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10- And as happy as it can be. - Absolutely, yeah.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19With just a few days left, we're managing to stay on track.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21Paula's new kitchen is going in.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24Her bedroom must be looking good by now, too...
0:39:26 > 0:39:27What's going on?
0:39:28 > 0:39:31- Battening it out. - Why are we battening out?
0:39:31 > 0:39:33Put some facing ply on the front.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35Why are we putting facing ply on the front?
0:39:35 > 0:39:40Tongue and groove for decorating panels.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42- Tongue and groove? - Yes, decorating panels.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46I thought they were only used in saunas or bathrooms?
0:39:46 > 0:39:48I think they've made a mistake,
0:39:48 > 0:39:51the chippies have made a mistake in the front bedroom, they're
0:39:51 > 0:39:54like battening the wall cos they're putting tongue and groove on it.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57Yes, they are. And it's going to look lovely.
0:39:57 > 0:39:58Look, she wants a vintage look
0:39:58 > 0:40:01and we've got a lot of wallpaper going on already so we just need
0:40:01 > 0:40:04something lovely for the walls, and that's going to be it.
0:40:06 > 0:40:07Really?
0:40:08 > 0:40:09I suppose we'll see.
0:40:09 > 0:40:14Mother Nature is still against us, but our trades have superpowers.
0:40:14 > 0:40:20Bendy Ben in here is British Champion kickboxer, isn't it Bendy?
0:40:20 > 0:40:22Yeah, second in the British Championships.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26Ben reckons he can get his foot over the head of anyone in the team.
0:40:28 > 0:40:29I heard that.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35Oh, he hit me in the head.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37Right, now you.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40Well, if he can do him, he's going to do me so...
0:40:40 > 0:40:43- Come on!- I'm not a challenge!
0:40:48 > 0:40:50Don't move, Bill.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52Oh, that was right over my hand as well.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55- Have you done it? - Yeah, he's done it, done it.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57Come here, see the geezer out there?
0:40:58 > 0:41:00Never turn your back on a spark.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04This floor will mean Dakota has the maximum space available
0:41:04 > 0:41:07to move around thanks to the hoist we're installing in
0:41:07 > 0:41:09the reinforced ceiling.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12A special sling will take her weight as she gets bigger.
0:41:12 > 0:41:14She just goes and the hoist moves with her.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16So no matter where the furniture is or whatever,
0:41:16 > 0:41:18she can actually make her way down the room and be...
0:41:18 > 0:41:19Yeah, she could do.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22- Move around things and move... - Yeah.- It's good, isn't it?
0:41:24 > 0:41:26We are so close to finishing
0:41:26 > 0:41:30but, with just a couple of days to go, the snow arrives.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33Will anybody be able to make it in tomorrow?
0:41:33 > 0:41:35This is getting ridiculous.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44Tell you what, there's no way we're going to be stopped,
0:41:44 > 0:41:47the weather has been against us, we've had snow,
0:41:47 > 0:41:50we've had freezing temperatures, but we still managed to turn out
0:41:50 > 0:41:5330 blokes on site today, and women, all turned in for the job.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56We're finishing the drainage, we're finishing the decoration,
0:41:56 > 0:42:00the kitchen is in. Tell you what, we will NOT be stopped.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13Look at this, the decorators are in.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17The weather can throw what it likes at us, we shall not be moved.
0:42:17 > 0:42:18What a team!
0:42:20 > 0:42:24- You've never met any of the gang you're working with?- No, no.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27We had one gang of decorators come along, never met each other before,
0:42:27 > 0:42:30and then they formed a partnership and went to work together full-time.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34- Oh, really?- Yeah, happens a lot. - Oh, I don't know about that.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37Gabby says she's got a treat for me in Jakes' bedroom.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39This is blue.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42We've painted a room a colour!
0:42:42 > 0:42:45- There's lots of colour in this house.- Is there?- Do you like it?
0:42:45 > 0:42:47I love it. I don't know what to say.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50- I don't know what to say. - I'm quite emotional, this is...
0:42:50 > 0:42:54- I'm sorry, what did you say? - Well, it's the...
0:42:54 > 0:42:58I think it's the first time we've used a colour this series.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03That's probably a little unfair.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06Outside, the lure of the cabbage has grown too strong
0:43:06 > 0:43:08for Jules to ignore. He's spoiled for choice.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11- Oh, we'll stick with that one. - That one.
0:43:11 > 0:43:13Slice him off down there.
0:43:17 > 0:43:18Look at that bad boy.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22Get in the heart of that one, look.
0:43:22 > 0:43:24Right, let's go and pop it in the pot.
0:43:31 > 0:43:36Mm, see, you can't get no better than that.
0:43:36 > 0:43:38From the field to the plate within the hour.
0:43:42 > 0:43:43Reminds me so much of home.
0:43:45 > 0:43:50If you want to grow a Julian that's what you need - greens and tatties.
0:43:50 > 0:43:53Back in the house, there seems to be a problem with the lights.
0:43:53 > 0:43:55Stop messing around, Bill
0:43:57 > 0:43:59See, I knew it.
0:43:59 > 0:44:00Oh, it's you.
0:44:02 > 0:44:05His little face. I said, "Do you want a cup of tea?"
0:44:05 > 0:44:08He said, "Go away, I'm concentrating."
0:44:08 > 0:44:11The extension may be up, but we haven't finished with it yet,
0:44:11 > 0:44:14they don't make matching bricks any more,
0:44:14 > 0:44:17but that won't stop our trades, we'll find a way.
0:44:17 > 0:44:19We would like this building here
0:44:19 > 0:44:23to end up the same colour as this building here,
0:44:23 > 0:44:25and this is how we're going to do it.
0:44:25 > 0:44:26Young man!
0:44:29 > 0:44:33They're going to stain to match every single brick.
0:44:33 > 0:44:37So by the end of today, this will look like this.
0:44:39 > 0:44:42I'd come back later if I were you - they'll be a while doing that.
0:44:42 > 0:44:44Not you, I mean, stay there and watch,
0:44:44 > 0:44:46we'll come back later is what I mean.
0:44:50 > 0:44:54Last day and it's all about design, you know pictures, curtains.
0:44:54 > 0:44:56You're using apple crates and things?
0:44:56 > 0:44:59Basically, yeah, that's all they are, bit of a design feature.
0:44:59 > 0:45:01When we were talking about the design for this room, we really
0:45:01 > 0:45:05wanted to make this room feel really special and really personal to Jake.
0:45:05 > 0:45:09- Yeah, and like a proper, you know, proper...- Man's cave.- Man's bedroom.
0:45:09 > 0:45:12And by using apple crates and things it makes him feel like
0:45:12 > 0:45:14he might still be a little bit in the shed.
0:45:17 > 0:45:19She doesn't like me very much at this stage of the day.
0:45:19 > 0:45:22It's incredible, isn't it, everywhere we go the generosity
0:45:22 > 0:45:24and willingness to help is incredible.
0:45:24 > 0:45:26So anybody else around the country
0:45:26 > 0:45:28who is thinking about getting involved
0:45:28 > 0:45:32when we turn up in their area to do it, would you say it was worth it?
0:45:32 > 0:45:35Definitely, definitely get involved, get stuck in and enjoy it.
0:45:35 > 0:45:38One person enjoying himself is Bendy Bill.
0:45:39 > 0:45:41You all right there, Bill?
0:45:41 > 0:45:45Yeah, I didn't know I could get in that position any more.
0:45:45 > 0:45:49Everyone involved here is determined this house will be the best
0:45:49 > 0:45:53it can be for Dakota, her mum and the rest of the family.
0:45:54 > 0:45:58They're still here, look. Dark, snowing, hungry, freezing.
0:46:00 > 0:46:05That's why SOS works, seriously. That's why it works.
0:46:05 > 0:46:06I didn't think we'd do it.
0:46:06 > 0:46:09It's been a real struggle in these temperatures.
0:46:09 > 0:46:11Not one complaint from any tradesperson,
0:46:11 > 0:46:14Not one complaint, what an amazing team.
0:46:14 > 0:46:16Absolutely lovely guys.
0:46:22 > 0:46:26Just nine days ago, the corridors and tiny rooms of this house
0:46:26 > 0:46:30were a dead-end, threatening to cut Dakota's life short.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33Now, thanks to the efforts of over a 100 trades,
0:46:33 > 0:46:38builders and suppliers, it's an open invitation to explore.
0:46:39 > 0:46:42This beautiful kitchen/dining/living area
0:46:42 > 0:46:44comes complete with hoist system.
0:46:44 > 0:46:47Dakota can wander to her heart's content
0:46:47 > 0:46:50while Paula's free to get on with day-to-day life.
0:46:53 > 0:46:57It may be a small extension, but it's made a massive room.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01A corner of the old kitchen is now an essential utility room,
0:47:01 > 0:47:03we've even recycled Paula's old units.
0:47:05 > 0:47:09The tired family bathroom has had a facelift
0:47:09 > 0:47:11and, boy, what a facelift it is.
0:47:13 > 0:47:14Complete with shower.
0:47:17 > 0:47:20We've moved the door to Lachan's room so she can keep some privacy
0:47:20 > 0:47:24in a grown-up bedroom, fitting for a young lady.
0:47:26 > 0:47:29The carer's room has been transformed into a suitable den
0:47:29 > 0:47:32complete with study area for Jake and Lachan.
0:47:35 > 0:47:38Dakota's room has been completely re-designed.
0:47:38 > 0:47:40It's no longer a baby room
0:47:40 > 0:47:44but a space fit for a growing eight-year-old girl.
0:47:44 > 0:47:47A notice board brings everyone into her room with her.
0:47:49 > 0:47:51The bath has been raised to help Paula's back,
0:47:51 > 0:47:55and new tiles give the whole room a brighter, happier feel.
0:47:56 > 0:48:00A new wall means Jake gets his own space back in the house,
0:48:00 > 0:48:03and those crates will certainly make it feel like home
0:48:03 > 0:48:04after he left the shed.
0:48:04 > 0:48:08He also has his own entrance, ideal for a teenager.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11And the new layout gives Paula a calm space away from the rest of
0:48:11 > 0:48:15the house, and yes, the tongue and groove does work, doesn't it?
0:48:16 > 0:48:20We can't solve Dakota's problems, but thanks to the wonderful
0:48:20 > 0:48:24trades of Spalding we can take the home off Paula's mind.
0:48:25 > 0:48:27- What did you need?- Space.
0:48:27 > 0:48:29- Space?- Yes.
0:48:29 > 0:48:32Which was kind of difficult with the layout of the house as it was.
0:48:32 > 0:48:33Yes, definitely.
0:48:33 > 0:48:35Well, a lot of people have done their best
0:48:35 > 0:48:36to make this work for you.
0:48:36 > 0:48:39I hope you like what they've done.
0:48:39 > 0:48:40Three, two, one...
0:48:40 > 0:48:42open your eyes.
0:48:44 > 0:48:46Oh, my...
0:48:49 > 0:48:50It's incredible.
0:48:52 > 0:48:54Absolutely incredible.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57It's pretty cool, isn't it?
0:48:59 > 0:49:03You know, everybody says it never looks like the same house,
0:49:03 > 0:49:05but it doesn't.
0:49:07 > 0:49:10Absolutely love it.
0:49:10 > 0:49:12Do you know where you are in the house?
0:49:12 > 0:49:15Well, that's what I'm trying to figure out, really. I'm sort of...
0:49:17 > 0:49:20- Your chimney used to be in here. - Yeah.
0:49:20 > 0:49:22And then we've taken the chimney out
0:49:22 > 0:49:25to create the kitchen, which has kind of changed the space
0:49:25 > 0:49:28and shape, but it means it's all open-plan.
0:49:28 > 0:49:33It's stunning. Honestly, thank you so much, it's really...
0:49:37 > 0:49:43This track system that means that no matter where you are in the room,
0:49:43 > 0:49:46Dakota has full access and can walk around.
0:49:48 > 0:49:50Oh, wow.
0:49:50 > 0:49:54So, despite the freezing conditions and the snow and the ice,
0:49:54 > 0:49:57which made it a really interesting build, they've really,
0:49:57 > 0:50:00really worked hard to create the best possible environment for you.
0:50:00 > 0:50:02Oh, it's amazing, absolutely amazing.
0:50:04 > 0:50:06She'll actually be part of the family -
0:50:06 > 0:50:11we'll all be able to be in the same room together, which is amazing.
0:50:11 > 0:50:14So we've given the family bathroom a bit of a re-vamp.
0:50:16 > 0:50:19- A shower!- Yes.- Fantastic.
0:50:19 > 0:50:23- Pretty cool, huh? - Really good. George.
0:50:23 > 0:50:24Yes, the dog.
0:50:26 > 0:50:28This is the carer's room.
0:50:29 > 0:50:30Wow.
0:50:32 > 0:50:35- Oh, they'll love this. - It's pretty cute, isn't it?
0:50:35 > 0:50:38And it also provides the space for the kids to study.
0:50:38 > 0:50:41Yes, a study space and a carer's space.
0:50:41 > 0:50:44It's more than I could ever dream of.
0:50:44 > 0:50:47Well, Dakota's room and the bathroom obviously are the shape
0:50:47 > 0:50:50and size they are because they've already been done,
0:50:50 > 0:50:52but we couldn't come in and do the place without actually adding
0:50:52 > 0:50:54a little sparkle into her life as well, so would
0:50:54 > 0:50:58you like to come through and, we've just done a bit of decorating there.
0:51:11 > 0:51:13Oh, it's fab.
0:51:13 > 0:51:14Well, we know that she loves her pink,
0:51:14 > 0:51:18but she's also, you know, she's also growing up so it has to be
0:51:18 > 0:51:22something that will actually, you know, grow with her.
0:51:22 > 0:51:25It's brilliant, really, really good.
0:51:25 > 0:51:28- She'll like it, you think? - Oh, she'll love it, she'll love it.
0:51:31 > 0:51:32We changed it a little bit.
0:51:35 > 0:51:37That is...
0:51:37 > 0:51:40We thought it needed modernising and updated, as beautiful as it was...
0:51:40 > 0:51:42- No, it was too dark. - Do you think?- Yeah.
0:51:42 > 0:51:46- Do you know that's what Gabby said. - Yes, it was way too dark.
0:51:46 > 0:51:50And, I don't know whether you noticed the other slight difference.
0:51:50 > 0:51:54The bath height. It's absolutely brilliant.
0:51:54 > 0:51:57I won't have to bend over so much now with my back.
0:51:57 > 0:52:00- Was it causing you a problem? - Yeah, a huge problem.
0:52:00 > 0:52:03That's why you got the very strange request from Gabby
0:52:03 > 0:52:07during the week, to measure directly to your hip bone height,
0:52:07 > 0:52:10so to create exactly the perfect height to make this work.
0:52:10 > 0:52:13It's absolutely fantastic. I love it.
0:52:16 > 0:52:18So that's Dakota taken care of,
0:52:18 > 0:52:19and the needs that you have taken care of.
0:52:19 > 0:52:21I need to show you something. Come with me.
0:52:28 > 0:52:30There you go, little room for you.
0:52:32 > 0:52:34Stunning.
0:52:38 > 0:52:40Wow, I've always wanted patchwork.
0:52:40 > 0:52:43Well, my worry with patchwork always is that it can look a little
0:52:43 > 0:52:45bit granny, and you're anything but granny,
0:52:45 > 0:52:49but it's actually it's a very beautiful, modern patchwork, isn't it?
0:52:49 > 0:52:52It is, it's absolutely fantastic, to just be able to chill out
0:52:52 > 0:52:57and sort of away from the noise, absolutely fantastic.
0:53:00 > 0:53:02I couldn't want for any more than this.
0:53:02 > 0:53:04OK, so let me come over and join you then,
0:53:04 > 0:53:06marks out of ten for the whole thing?
0:53:08 > 0:53:09There's just no...
0:53:11 > 0:53:17Ten isn't even enough, it is just so stunning, the whole place.
0:53:17 > 0:53:23What you've done here is just going to give us such a better life
0:53:23 > 0:53:30and, for Dakota, you've given her the chance of a life -
0:53:30 > 0:53:32that's how much it means.
0:53:32 > 0:53:38That...for however long I've got her, you've done what
0:53:38 > 0:53:41I could never have done, it was the one thing I couldn't give her,
0:53:41 > 0:53:47I couldn't give her the ability to be mobile in her own home,
0:53:47 > 0:53:52but you've done that and I just don't know how to say thank you.
0:53:59 > 0:54:00Would you like to open your eyes?
0:54:00 > 0:54:02- I would.- OK.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04Oh, wicked.
0:54:04 > 0:54:06- That's cool.- It looks so different.
0:54:07 > 0:54:09That's awesome.
0:54:09 > 0:54:11It doesn't really look like our house, really.
0:54:11 > 0:54:13It's completely different.
0:54:13 > 0:54:16And so it can go sideways and... That's really good.
0:54:16 > 0:54:18That is so cool.
0:54:18 > 0:54:21- Full length of the room, full width of the room.- The whole area.
0:54:23 > 0:54:25How's that?
0:54:25 > 0:54:29Oh, that is amazing, Oh, she got it perfect.
0:54:31 > 0:54:32That's incredible, thank you.
0:54:32 > 0:54:35- Pretty cool, isn't it?- It's so cool.
0:54:36 > 0:54:39Awesome, I've got my own room.
0:54:42 > 0:54:44Ah, feels good.
0:54:44 > 0:54:47- Pretty good, eh?- Feels awesome.
0:54:47 > 0:54:48A nice house.
0:54:50 > 0:54:52- It's cool.- It's so cool.
0:54:54 > 0:54:56It's well cool. Dakota's going to love this.
0:54:58 > 0:54:59Whose house is this?
0:55:08 > 0:55:10Whose house is this?
0:55:10 > 0:55:12You'll be able to use your walker in here now, won't you?
0:55:12 > 0:55:15You'll be able to come and see Mum in the kitchen.
0:55:15 > 0:55:19- We can do some cooking, can't we? - See me in the kitchen. Yeah.
0:55:25 > 0:55:27This is your bedroom.
0:55:27 > 0:55:29Look at this.
0:55:29 > 0:55:32Look at that. Do you like your bedroom?
0:55:32 > 0:55:34Yes.
0:55:34 > 0:55:36- Good.- She likes that.
0:55:39 > 0:55:42This is your new bathroom. Look at this.
0:55:42 > 0:55:43Look at how big that is now.
0:55:43 > 0:55:47Look at your bath now, you going to have a bath in there?
0:55:47 > 0:55:49Going to have a bath in there?
0:55:49 > 0:55:52See, it's wow, isn't it?
0:55:52 > 0:55:55Lovely bathroom, yeah.
0:55:55 > 0:55:57She certainly seems to be really happy with the place.
0:55:57 > 0:56:00Yeah, obviously looking around and taking it all in, I think it's
0:56:00 > 0:56:03obviously quite a lot for her to take in, it's quite different.
0:56:03 > 0:56:06- It is, isn't it? - Yeah, but you can tell she loves it.
0:56:08 > 0:56:11Well, there's not much more to do other than to have a little chat
0:56:11 > 0:56:13with the people that did the built.
0:56:29 > 0:56:33Thank you so much for what you've done.
0:56:33 > 0:56:37She needed the space to keep her healthy and I couldn't do that
0:56:37 > 0:56:41and you guys have all come along and you're just amazing.
0:56:42 > 0:56:47Words can't express how much this means to us. Thank you.
0:56:53 > 0:56:56RECORDING: 'Thank you so much, everyone, for working on my house.
0:56:56 > 0:57:01'I love my new bedroom, and now I can use my walker anywhere in the house.'
0:57:04 > 0:57:08Laurie, do you want to step forward and join us for a second.
0:57:08 > 0:57:12The quality of life that you've given to our granddaughter...
0:57:12 > 0:57:16is dramatic, this is a dramatic day for them,
0:57:16 > 0:57:20because you are the... Can I say, you're the best of the guys
0:57:20 > 0:57:24and we're so proud not only of my daughter and my family,
0:57:24 > 0:57:26we're so proud of you guys.
0:57:26 > 0:57:32Never have so few owed so much
0:57:32 > 0:57:34to so many.
0:57:34 > 0:57:37Ladies and gentlemen, thank you. Thank you very much
0:57:40 > 0:57:42All right. OK, it's been a pleasure.
0:57:47 > 0:57:50- What do you think of your decor in the room?- Love it.
0:57:50 > 0:57:53- Hiya, I did the tiling in the bathroom.- It's superb.
0:57:57 > 0:58:00I think the biggest surprise for me in becoming a parent was
0:58:00 > 0:58:04the amount of responsibility, there will always be somebody in the world
0:58:04 > 0:58:07more important than yourself, and that's such a huge change.
0:58:07 > 0:58:10It means, of course, as a parent that you will do whatever it takes
0:58:10 > 0:58:14to make things better for your child, but sometimes you can't do it
0:58:14 > 0:58:18all on your own and you need the help and support of your community.
0:58:18 > 0:58:22Paula needed some help, and here they all are,
0:58:22 > 0:58:26having turned out en masse in the freezing cold to make a change.
0:58:26 > 0:58:28Maybe you know somebody who needs your help.
0:58:32 > 0:58:34Take a look at this video sent to us by the family
0:58:34 > 0:58:36just a few weeks after the build.
0:58:36 > 0:58:39It just goes to show the work these people have done
0:58:39 > 0:58:40is already making a difference.