0:00:02 > 0:00:05John Borge is a dad who loves nothing better than spending time
0:00:05 > 0:00:08with his little boy.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Noah is what keeps him going.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13John is a military veteran.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Every day, he fights a harrowing mental battle
0:00:16 > 0:00:18against post-traumatic stress.
0:00:18 > 0:00:22'Nothing can prepare you for what you see or do out there.'
0:00:22 > 0:00:26I've seen children just been hit by an IED and stuff like that
0:00:26 > 0:00:28and nothing prepares you for it.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34John is just one of tens of thousands of servicemen
0:00:34 > 0:00:38and women who have served our country in war zones across the planet.
0:00:38 > 0:00:44For some, the emotional and physical scars of battle are life-changing.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46It's one of them jobs where, every step
0:00:46 > 0:00:49you could basically get blown up.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55I was devastated because I thought that I'm done.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01But when leaving the military, these brave veterans
0:01:01 > 0:01:05face the battle of adapting back into civilian life.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09I've spent all my time in the Army with somebody watching my back
0:01:09 > 0:01:14all the time, but to be here now on your own, it is scary.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17What these veterans need is a community where they feel secure,
0:01:17 > 0:01:23supported. A place that will allow them to start again in civvy street.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25And that's where we come in.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29This street in Manchester will soon become the biggest build
0:01:29 > 0:01:33DIY SOS has ever taken on because we're here to turn
0:01:33 > 0:01:36empty houses into homes for veterans.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39The plan is to create a veterans' village
0:01:39 > 0:01:43over two special episodes, bringing back to life the entire street,
0:01:43 > 0:01:45creating homes, a support centre,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48and a place to live while veterans retrain.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50It's an epic build and it's
0:01:50 > 0:01:54so important, it's even received a Royal seal of approval.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58- Nice to see you.- Sausage?- Royal sausage.- Royal sausage.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00LAUGHTER
0:02:00 > 0:02:02To be honest, not a bad painter.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04Perfect. That looks absolutely immaculate.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07This is the first time you've done this, isn't it?
0:02:07 > 0:02:10With just 12 days to complete our mission...
0:02:10 > 0:02:12OMG.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15- ..this really will push us all to the edge...- Argh!
0:02:15 > 0:02:16..and maybe even over it.
0:02:16 > 0:02:21This is the first time ever that we've gone over the allocated
0:02:21 > 0:02:23time for us in the 16 years we've been doing this.
0:02:23 > 0:02:29But it will be worth it if we can help veterans rebuild their lives.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33We only have a short period of time in which to finish the entire street.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36- All the usual suspects are here. - Especially me. - Why the airs and graces?
0:02:36 > 0:02:38- Look who it is.- Oh, yes, we have a couple of special helpers,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41- Prince William and Prince Harry. - Are they lookalikes?
0:02:41 > 0:02:46No, they're not lookalikes. Shut up. This is DIY SOS, the biggest ever, ever, ever build.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48CHEERING
0:03:07 > 0:03:12John Borge served in the Army for 13 years with the Queen's Royal Lancers.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16As a tank commander, he fought on the front line in Afghanistan.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19Before that, he met his wife, Emma.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22He was so laid-back. Like chalk and cheese, we were.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26I was really uptight and things had to be done in a certain way
0:03:26 > 0:03:29and he was just, "Let it go." We balanced each other out.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32We could laugh quite easily. We could laugh at each other.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34And we were really close.
0:03:34 > 0:03:39But three years ago Emma, started to see a dramatic change in John's personality.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42Emma and John didn't know it at the time,
0:03:42 > 0:03:46but he was suffering from a mental illness called post-traumatic stress disorder,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49brought on by the terrible things he'd witnessed.
0:03:50 > 0:03:56Nothing prepares you for seeing body parts of your mates...
0:03:58 > 0:04:04And, again, like, I've seen children just been hit by an IED
0:04:04 > 0:04:07and stuff like that, and nothing prepares you for it.
0:04:07 > 0:04:14Just seeing that pure horror of what war is actually like.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19John's post-traumatic stress manifests itself in severe anxiety
0:04:19 > 0:04:25and flashbacks triggered by everyday sights, smells and sounds.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29EXPLOSION
0:04:29 > 0:04:30GUNFIRE
0:04:30 > 0:04:37'For 15, 20 seconds or so, it's like I'm just transported back there.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42'And you're reliving something that's happened to you.'
0:04:42 > 0:04:47It's just like living in a constant fear of being haunted by things
0:04:47 > 0:04:49that you've seen and done.
0:04:49 > 0:04:50It does take its toll on you.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56John's mental state has also taken a toll on his marriage.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00You start questioning yourself. Is it something I have done wrong?
0:05:00 > 0:05:02Why can't this person talk to me?
0:05:02 > 0:05:06Whereas before, we were really open about everything.
0:05:06 > 0:05:07He would wander off.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11He would say something and then he would go and he'd be gone for three days
0:05:11 > 0:05:13and I wouldn't know where he was.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15There was days where I thought he was dead
0:05:15 > 0:05:17and I was waiting for the police to knock on the door
0:05:17 > 0:05:20to tell me that he had been found, that he had committed suicide.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22I just withdrew from myself.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26I couldn't talk to Emma and it started causing arguments.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32Sadly, Emma and John decided it was best to separate.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35And I still love him. And I'll always love him.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39And he feels guilty for the things that he has done to us, as a family.
0:05:39 > 0:05:44And it's not him. It's not him as a person.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46He's not the person who I met, who's doing all that.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50John left the family home
0:05:50 > 0:05:53and spent six weeks looking for somewhere to live.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56Now, back in Manchester, he spends as much time as possible
0:05:56 > 0:05:59with their three-year-old son, Noah.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03The only times that I relax properly is when I'm with my son.
0:06:03 > 0:06:08'He's just such a bright, intelligent and happy boy.'
0:06:08 > 0:06:10He just lifts me up all the time.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17John's current home is holding back his recovery.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20What is it that when you're in this flat,
0:06:20 > 0:06:24what is it that triggers those flashbacks, memories?
0:06:25 > 0:06:28All the surrounding noise.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31I feel...quite isolated here.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34The area itself, I feel completely threatened by, all the time.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38Just even drunks walking past at night-time.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41That just will wake me up instantly and that's it, I'll be on edge.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44And I'll just be waiting for something to happen.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- You sleep on the sofa a lot.- Yeah. - Why is that?
0:06:46 > 0:06:49I just don't feel comfortable in the other room.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53This is the only room that I feel comfortable and safe in.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55I want to be able to live a normal life.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02Do you believe you can mend things with Emma and Noah?
0:07:02 > 0:07:04I hope so.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10I'm one of those people that just never wants to give up.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14Where would you be now if you didn't have Noah?
0:07:14 > 0:07:16HE SIGHS
0:07:16 > 0:07:19I'd be in the grave. Definitely.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25I can't begin to imagine what you have to deal with on a day-to-day basis, I really can't.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28But what I can do is motivate people who
0:07:28 > 0:07:31want to help and give them an opportunity to help.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33It's not unbeatable.
0:07:35 > 0:07:40John is determined to conquer his illness and rebuild his life with Noah.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42It's for veterans like John that we are attempting to build
0:07:42 > 0:07:44a supportive community,
0:07:44 > 0:07:48and this rundown street in Manchester is where it's all going to happen.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52But we've got our work cut out. This street was once condemned.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56Come over here. Look up through the hole in the ceiling
0:07:56 > 0:07:59and you'll see there's a hole in the roof there,
0:07:59 > 0:08:03which means water's been coming in and those roof beams will be rotten as well.
0:08:03 > 0:08:08The scale of this renovation in these places is just ridiculous.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11There's nothing left to work with, really, other than the outside walls.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15It's a daunting prospect.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18Normally, we just take on one property, not a whole street.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24Our mission over two episodes is to build three family homes,
0:08:24 > 0:08:27a support centre that will provide counselling,
0:08:27 > 0:08:30and what we're calling a retraining house, where veterans live
0:08:30 > 0:08:33whilst learning skills to build a new career.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36In this episode, we're attempting to create a new home where John Borge
0:08:36 > 0:08:42can spend time with his son Noah, and that all-important retraining house.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45To give us a fighting chance of tackling the entire street,
0:08:45 > 0:08:49basic ground works have been going on for a couple of months.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53One thing's for sure. To pull this off, we're going to need organisation...
0:08:53 > 0:08:57- Right, I want you to look after them. Be nice to them. - I'm always nice.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- Hello. - ..communication...
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- Hello. They're all working. - ..and positivity.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06If I'm being perfectly honest, I feel we've bitten off more than we can chew.
0:09:06 > 0:09:11We haven't got any floors and we've only got half the roofs on all
0:09:11 > 0:09:13the properties, so we're a week behind
0:09:13 > 0:09:14where we would normally start.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18He gets on my nerves sometimes. OK, so we're behind before we even begin.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21We were expecting the basics to be in place. But on the plus side,
0:09:21 > 0:09:24we've been advertising for volunteer builders
0:09:24 > 0:09:26and this lot are raring to go.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30MUSIC: Talk Dirty by Jason Derulo
0:09:36 > 0:09:38There's basically 120 years of soot and muck
0:09:38 > 0:09:43and rubbish coming out of the intestines of this house.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46And it's being cleared all out so we can get a clean,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49fresh start with just the shell, but it's a really ugly job in there
0:09:49 > 0:09:52and these guys are doing a fantastic job.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54Not what I expected, being an electrician.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56I'm a painter and decorator.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59So I should be getting the clean jobs, but there you go.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02Now, admittedly maths isn't my strongest subject,
0:10:02 > 0:10:06but looking around, this build just isn't adding up.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10I only count about 120 people. I thought we were expecting 350 people?
0:10:10 > 0:10:11We were. They haven't turned up.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13We haven't got the numbers...
0:10:13 > 0:10:17- But this is the numbers that we have just for a standard SOS.- I know. This is what...- One house.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- We're not doing one house. We're doing a whole street.- I'll get Julian in a sandwich board.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24We need to get the word out there. People haven't turned up. I'm sorry.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26All right. If you get Julian in a sandwich board he'll eat it.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28I'm going to talk to the news.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32'Because it's our biggest ever build - did I mention that? - there's been a lot of media interest
0:10:32 > 0:10:34'and I want them to help us get more people.'
0:10:34 > 0:10:36We need a screed company to come on board, we need
0:10:36 > 0:10:40a flat roofing system, bricklayers, joiners, general labour and landscapers.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43We are not going to finish this, so come on, UK, come out and help us.
0:10:43 > 0:10:44That's it, call to arms.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49There's loads of people down here already, but they really do need more people to come along.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52What we need are 200 more people like this man, Tony,
0:10:52 > 0:10:54a builder from South Wales.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57Why would you drive all the way from Swansea to Manchester
0:10:57 > 0:11:03and take your own time off work, unpaid, to come and work yourself to death in a place like this?
0:11:03 > 0:11:08Anybody who signed up for the forces at any time
0:11:08 > 0:11:11is one bit of paper away from being posted to a battlefront.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15And the people we are doing this for have seen things that we
0:11:15 > 0:11:19haven't...we will never comprehend, we will never see.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22And they have to live with that afterwards.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25So if it means me having two weeks off to give something back to those
0:11:25 > 0:11:30who've given so much for the country, that's a small price, in my book.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32Do you fancy presenting the show, because you've said that better
0:11:32 > 0:11:37than I have ever been able to say it in the entire thing so far? Mate.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40Thank you. Thank you.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42I feel very emotional now.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44He's right, they do deserve it,
0:11:44 > 0:11:47and with that kind of spirit, we are going to complete this community.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- We have John's house to do.- Yeah.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55And there are very specific things with his PTSD that we need to
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- think about.- Yeah.- Can you help that with design?- Definitely, definitely.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00It's all about thinking about the hyper vigilance
0:12:00 > 0:12:04and the anxiety that he's going through all the time, so we've got
0:12:04 > 0:12:08to completely change the layout so he can always be looking at the exits.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- Right.- Because they really stress...
0:12:10 > 0:12:13He would never want to sit with his back to a door.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16He's always got to be sort of aware of what is going on.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18You've got to think about natural light,
0:12:18 > 0:12:22getting his sleep patterns back into some semblance of normality.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- So John has just not been sleeping at all.- Yeah.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29That is my main worry for him. We've got to get him back sleeping
0:12:29 > 0:12:33- and be able to actually just feel comfortable in his house.- And safe?
0:12:33 > 0:12:35And safe, yeah.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38On the ground floor, we'll remove the chimney breast so that John's
0:12:38 > 0:12:42furniture can be arranged to give him line of sight to the door.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46The existing kitchen will be converted into a walk-through study
0:12:46 > 0:12:48with a bathroom, and an extension will be built
0:12:48 > 0:12:52for the new bespoke kitchen, which will overlook the garden.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55Whilst upstairs, the two bedrooms will have their chimney breasts
0:12:55 > 0:12:59removed to make a room for John and one for Noah, to let him stay over.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03But when you are knocking Victorian houses about, there's things you just can't plan for.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09Look at this. It's like a box of broken biscuits behind you, isn't it?
0:13:09 > 0:13:10It looks like your kind of work.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14My kind of work?!
0:13:14 > 0:13:16And why are we having to hold the back of the house on with
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- a big strapped beam?- Basically... - Oh, God.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23..there was a little extension here, a little lean-to, and we took it away.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- Yes, it came up to here, on this bit here.- It came out to here on that.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29So when we took it away, and before the slab was in here,
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- this outer skin of the house just moved slightly this way.- Right.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37- So what we've done is...- It does appear to be disintegrating whilst
0:13:37 > 0:13:40you're standing there, which is quite interesting as well.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Most of the street is coming down around our ears.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47The council might have stepped in and if we hadn't have got here they'd probably have
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- knocked the streets down. - That was always a danger.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53The local residents were saying it was sad that that was probably the only thing that could be done
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- up until we turned up. So that's nice.- Yes. - Rescue a piece of Manchester
0:13:56 > 0:13:58history like this.
0:13:58 > 0:14:03You know, people coming out of their houses and saying hello,
0:14:03 > 0:14:06and the people who stood up in the Blitz. Wartime blitz spirit.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09People chatting to each other. Jumpers for goalposts.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13I'm waffling, aren't I? There's no time to be sentimental.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16These properties are more dilapidated than any of us thought.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Both those walls must be made structurally sound before we can
0:14:19 > 0:14:23forge ahead with our plans for John and Noah's home.
0:14:23 > 0:14:28It's just been horrendous, hasn't it? It's amazingly horrendous to even think you're going to
0:14:28 > 0:14:32get it done in 14 days or whatever it is.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36'It's 12 days, Billy. In fact, 11-and-a-half now.'
0:14:36 > 0:14:37How come they've got free ends?
0:14:37 > 0:14:39HE LAUGHS
0:14:39 > 0:14:45- 'Some things never change, do they?' - No wonder it don't work.
0:14:45 > 0:14:46What happened there, then?
0:14:46 > 0:14:49Well, there is some construction underway.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56The retraining home is being made watertight and at the back, the extension is going up.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59The retraining home is key to this new community.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02War veterans can find it tough to gain employment
0:15:02 > 0:15:06but here, there will be accommodation for four veterans
0:15:06 > 0:15:09as they undertake courses at the local college. Homes and jobs.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13I haven't had a chance to ask you today.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15What do you make of what we're doing in here?
0:15:15 > 0:15:18Can you ask me that in a couple of weeks' time?
0:15:18 > 0:15:22I know what we're doing and I know why and it's an amazing job.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25And once we are successful
0:15:25 > 0:15:29and finishing it, other councils throughout Great Britain can
0:15:29 > 0:15:32take heed, take note, and look and say,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35"Wow, if they can do it, we can do it for our troops."
0:15:35 > 0:15:37And that's how I look at it.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42That's the most... That is the most... I can't even speak.
0:15:42 > 0:15:47That was concise, that was to the point, that was heartfelt.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51- It made sense.- Is there something wrong, then, with me?
0:15:51 > 0:15:54I can't speak... I can't... I don't know...
0:15:54 > 0:15:58By the end of the first day, we still haven't finished ripping out.
0:15:58 > 0:16:03- You've got just a little bit of dirt on your cheek there.- Gone?
0:16:03 > 0:16:04That's it. It's gone.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06THEY LAUGH
0:16:06 > 0:16:09On a normal big build, we'd be ready for plasterboarding, but here,
0:16:09 > 0:16:13we've still to remove chimney breasts before we can create the new layout.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17Hoorah! No messing.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Don't get gloves like that or nowt, boys!
0:16:20 > 0:16:24Look at them gloves. Holes in them and everything.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27Spirits are obviously high, but I'm seriously worried
0:16:27 > 0:16:31because without the 350 volunteers we need each day, we are not going
0:16:31 > 0:16:34to achieve everything we want to.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36I mean, it's just so vast.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43It's day two and I'm so anxious I've barely slept. Honestly.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46I'm desperate to see if my calls for help have been answered.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48There is some interesting man here.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52Yeah, is it me? I think it is. Don't you?
0:16:52 > 0:16:56Yeah, but worryingly, numbers are down. Just 75 today.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00Barely enough to do one house, let alone a whole street.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02And it's not just the numbers issue.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04I've got decorators turning up.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08I've got decorators turning up. I can't decorate these houses!
0:17:08 > 0:17:11We can't wire them yet either.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13It's just circumstances has put us behind
0:17:13 > 0:17:15and that's frustrating for you lads.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18You're losing money because you could be out there working.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20But this is the nature of this one.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Everyone's got to get in when they can.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25Half are standing around like lemons.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28They're all... Argh! We need to get in.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31It's really difficult refurbing old properties.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34These are absolutely falling apart. They're in such a mess.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37There is real fear in those eyes and I'm feeling it too.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40There are more props here than the Rugby World Cup.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43And we are not just tackling houses, we've promised gardens too.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47I've roped in my good mate, landscape designer Adam Frost.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50# How many kinds of sweet flowers grow
0:17:50 > 0:17:53# In an English country garden?
0:17:53 > 0:17:57# I bet Adam knows, he's won seven golds at Chelsea. #
0:17:57 > 0:18:02Oh, yes(!) No... Adam, this is why we got you in.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04I can see what you are aiming for(!)
0:18:04 > 0:18:10- It's like an urban shabby chic, isn't it?- It's all in here. It just needs to be on here.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14Adam will be creating a verdant masterpiece at the back of the retraining home.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17- And the back of John's place. - This is John's garden.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21Talking to John, it was really about...he wanted somewhere for the little one,
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- somewhere where the kid can just engage with nature.- Nice.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28Whereas the top of the garden, cooking area, nice seating. An extension of that house.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31And I think people get gardening
0:18:31 > 0:18:34and connect with it, it literally can change their lives.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36And I think John is going to be...
0:18:36 > 0:18:38I really think he will be one of them people.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42Adam's plan majors on hard landscaping. Bit of a problem, that.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45I can tell you they do the whole drama thing.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47You watch this programme and you think, "They are making it up."
0:18:47 > 0:18:50I have literally no landscapers whatsoever.
0:18:50 > 0:18:51I just need human beings.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55Yeah, I can't promise humans, but if Jules and Chris can pass their
0:18:55 > 0:19:00heavy machinery exam, they can level the gardens and lay the foundations.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03MUSIC: Chicken Man (Grange Hill) By Alan Hawkshaw
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- This is actually for real. - It's like being back at school.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09- What's an articulated lock? - You could cut the tension in here with a knife.
0:19:12 > 0:19:19- When did you last take a written exam?- Probably May 1986.
0:19:19 > 0:19:20HE CHUCKLES
0:19:20 > 0:19:25- What?- When I was at school, I never took any exams.- At all?
0:19:25 > 0:19:31- At all.- I took four.- I left... I left before the exams started because they said, "Don't bother."
0:19:32 > 0:19:34So I just left.
0:19:34 > 0:19:40So this is officially the only exam I've ever taken. At 45 years old.
0:19:40 > 0:19:46- And how's he'd done?- He got...- 96! - Whoa!- Result!
0:19:46 > 0:19:51In the retraining home, there's also been some progress. These two properties are now one.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53Come and talk to me. What's your plan of attack here?
0:19:53 > 0:19:57- Your steels have arrived. - My steels have arrived. - What's your plan of attack?
0:19:57 > 0:20:00We're going to get as many men as we can to get these steels in.
0:20:00 > 0:20:05This is momentous for the retraining home. It's the first step in creating the open living space where
0:20:05 > 0:20:10veterans can relax together whilst they're retraining for their new careers.
0:20:10 > 0:20:15One of the first residents will be former corporal, Jack.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Up until now, he's been relying on his family
0:20:18 > 0:20:21and long-term girlfriend, Jennifer.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24He was the loud guy that everyone knew the most.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26You know when you've got those popular kids in school?
0:20:26 > 0:20:29He was that one that everyone knew about.
0:20:29 > 0:20:34From a child, he was going in the Army.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38I think that was looking at his dad and he wanted to do the same.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42Jack followed his father into the 3rd Battalion The Rifles.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46In 2012, he was posted to Afghanistan with the dangerous role
0:20:46 > 0:20:49of detecting improvised explosive devices.
0:20:49 > 0:20:55It's one of those jobs where every step you could basically get blown up.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57It's all about you giving your life
0:20:57 > 0:21:00and that's why... being a soldier, I'm proud of.
0:21:00 > 0:21:05And that's how I think every soldier thinks at the end of the day.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07You feel nervous and apprehensive
0:21:07 > 0:21:10and you think, "Are they going to come home?"
0:21:10 > 0:21:12You try your best to cope
0:21:12 > 0:21:16and just get by and hope that everything will be OK.
0:21:16 > 0:21:21But not long into his tour, everything stopped being OK.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25One evening, Jack was on sentry duty and he was shot by a Taliban sniper.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29I could feel my face hurting.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32All I can remember is someone shouting, "He's dead.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34"He's been shot in the head."
0:21:34 > 0:21:37And I think that's what made us come back around.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40It gave us that adrenaline boost. I knew I was injured.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43I knew my life had changed, but I was alive.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46A lot of people don't get that lucky.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49The bullet had gone right through Jack's left arm
0:21:49 > 0:21:53and into the back of his eye, leaving him badly injured.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57My brain doesn't function the same. It slurs my speech.
0:21:57 > 0:22:02Sometimes I struggle to get words out. It's hard to think.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05As well as the physical injuries, Jack, like John, suffers
0:22:05 > 0:22:09from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression and is only able
0:22:09 > 0:22:13to sleep a couple of hours between nightmares and hallucinations.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16He'd be asleep and I'd gently touch him
0:22:16 > 0:22:22because once I touched him, he sort of freaked out on the bed.
0:22:22 > 0:22:27And I thought, "I've just woken him and he must have been
0:22:27 > 0:22:31"in a nightmare." And I was trying to calm him and say, "It's just your mum.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34"I'm not here to hurt you, son. It's just your mum."
0:22:34 > 0:22:39In the Army, it's man up and crack on. If you've twisted your ankle,
0:22:39 > 0:22:40man up and crack on.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45But not with PTSD. You don't man up about things like that.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51It's not just Jack who is living with PTSD. It's everyone close to him.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54It's emotionally and mentally draining. And then you've got...
0:22:54 > 0:22:58I've got to work, so I've got to carry on with day-to-day life,
0:22:58 > 0:23:03be strong for myself, be strong for him, go to work and pretend
0:23:03 > 0:23:08everything is fine. People will say, "You're so young, why do this?
0:23:08 > 0:23:11"You've still got so much going for you, so much life."
0:23:11 > 0:23:15And I think, you don't just give up on people. What's the point?
0:23:15 > 0:23:18You'll get nowhere if you just give up on everyone in life.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22With the support of his girlfriend and family, Jack's health is starting
0:23:22 > 0:23:26to improve and he feels ready - in fact, eager - to get back to work.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29He wants to move into the street to retrain for a new career.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33Now I've got this opportunity coming, it's going to be motivational
0:23:33 > 0:23:36because I've got something to do.
0:23:36 > 0:23:41So the impact's going to lessen with this and that's why it's a perfect opportunity.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43I've got to get on with my life.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47With a place to stay, thanks to the retraining house, this pioneering
0:23:47 > 0:23:51project could be life-changing for hundreds of war veterans like Jack.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54That's why we've taken on our biggest ever build.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58On site, there is a sense of Blitz spirit, even though we're only
0:23:58 > 0:24:00fighting over the buns.
0:24:00 > 0:24:05- That's yours.- You check, I've got my name on there. One for me. One for Ron. Later on.
0:24:09 > 0:24:14Here come our Devon boys. Super intelligent they are, too.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17MUSIC: Combine Harvester (Brand New Key) by The Wurzels
0:24:17 > 0:24:19Go on!
0:24:21 > 0:24:24The boy over there looks very intense but if I was to ask him,
0:24:24 > 0:24:29- "Are you happy?"- He'd melt.- He'd melt with happiness.- Yes.- Because?
0:24:29 > 0:24:34- He is behind the controls of a wheel digger.- I see. Jules!
0:24:41 > 0:24:48Everyone's beaming. There's wooden beams, steel beams, even moonbeams.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52But on this site, any joy is short-lived.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- Are we going to get round to firming up the back of this house?- Yes.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- Who's going to firm up the back of this house?- The bricklayers tomorrow.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01- Yeah, but... There is only one that I could find.- Do you know what?
0:25:01 > 0:25:04If we had the right amount of people on here doing the jobs we needed
0:25:04 > 0:25:07to do in the sequence that was laid out, we'd be fine.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10We've dropped on people so we've got one problem after the other.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13Are you saying...? So one issue is bumping into the next
0:25:13 > 0:25:15and into the next and then to the next?
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Yes. And it's quite hard to keep up with it.
0:25:17 > 0:25:22So you're not doing your comedy, "I'm stressed" or your TV, "I'm stressed" face?
0:25:22 > 0:25:26- You're actually stressed. - I'm actually... Yeah, I am properly stressed.- Yes.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28It's not surprising we're all frazzled
0:25:28 > 0:25:32because what we haven't shown you is that at the same time we are
0:25:32 > 0:25:34converting a further five properties into homes
0:25:34 > 0:25:37and building a support office and doing up the street.
0:25:37 > 0:25:42- Oh, dear. We've got to clear that as well.- Argh!
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Yes, this veterans' project is enormous and we couldn't have even
0:25:45 > 0:25:49attempted it without the support of the local council and the generosity
0:25:49 > 0:25:52of the construction companies, to the tune of millions of pounds.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56It's extraordinary. 12 days - no wonder we are under pressure.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58We just have to stay calm.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01I need help. Help. Help me.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07Yes, that's the way(!) Over the next few days, numbers are up.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09Not quite the 350 we had hoped for,
0:26:09 > 0:26:12but if everyone puts in a double shift...
0:26:13 > 0:26:16We could pull this back now with the amount of people we've got on site.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20This is incredible. We need a big push now. Thank you all very much.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22APPLAUSE
0:26:22 > 0:26:24CHATTER
0:26:26 > 0:26:28This is inspiring, really, to be honest.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30There are so many people on site.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33They are all skilled workmen and they've come from all over the country.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37We've had people driving up from Swansea, down from Glasgow, across from Hull, up from Kent.
0:26:37 > 0:26:42This is now a fully nationwide effort to get this street turned around for us.
0:26:42 > 0:26:47It's good. At least we're moving now. We'll get there. We'll do it.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50Today, I want to get John's raised beds in,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53get that prepped for paving,
0:26:53 > 0:26:56so that's ready to go, get this dividing wall in.
0:26:56 > 0:27:01And then get these footings all the way through for the back wall.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04With more people on site, at last, the back of John's house has been
0:27:04 > 0:27:08propped and it's ready to be knocked out, but we've still got to reinforce
0:27:08 > 0:27:10those broken biscuits
0:27:10 > 0:27:13and I'm not quite sure why there is only a lone ranger on the new
0:27:13 > 0:27:15supporting wall when there's a whole army in the garden.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Apparently, I've stole the bricklayers. I think, in reality...
0:27:18 > 0:27:20I don't think the bricklayers want to go in there.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23- I think that's the truth. - Understandable, really.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26But there are plenty of other trades inside,
0:27:26 > 0:27:31many of them former military, including Daz, the plumber. He, maybe more than most,
0:27:31 > 0:27:34understands the importance of this veterans' village.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38When I came out of the Army, I must admit I had...
0:27:38 > 0:27:41I would say I had a certain degree of PTSD.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45There's always something in the back of your head, like a demon
0:27:45 > 0:27:47that just seems to pop up every so often.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50You could be walking down the street and just something, a bang,
0:27:50 > 0:27:55or a backfire of a car, or anything, it could just trigger something.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58Do you think people who come out and maybe are dealing with PTSD
0:27:58 > 0:28:03and things, do you think they still know that people care about them?
0:28:03 > 0:28:07No. This is why we are here. We've gave up two weeks' work because this is what it's for.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11The support and empathy here on site is overwhelming.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13I've never experienced an atmosphere like it.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16But unfortunately, for thousands of war veterans like John,
0:28:16 > 0:28:20life with post-traumatic stress disorder can be a lonely one.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24John is helped by a charity to cope with his PTSD
0:28:24 > 0:28:29and he finds spending time at an equestrian centre therapeutic.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32When I do have my dark days, I just escape
0:28:32 > 0:28:35and this is one of the places I come to escape.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37Just to be around the horses...
0:28:37 > 0:28:41They know straight away that something is not right.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44What was the toughest time, going through this process?
0:28:46 > 0:28:50Just the days when I've just felt completely alone.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54And to be able to keep reminding myself of Noah and Emma,
0:28:54 > 0:28:56they were definitely the toughest.
0:28:56 > 0:29:01- Your wife has gone through a lot over the last few years.- Yeah.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05With me and Emma, it got to the point where she literally had
0:29:05 > 0:29:10to physically force me to A & E to try and get help.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13She knew something was wrong. And...
0:29:15 > 0:29:17..I put up a massive fight.
0:29:17 > 0:29:22I didn't want to do it. I couldn't accept it within myself. And I'm grateful for that now.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26Do you think you're seeing light at the end of the tunnel now, with
0:29:26 > 0:29:30the street and the house and having a community of other veterans around?
0:29:30 > 0:29:33Yeah. Definitely. I feel like I'm finally getting somewhere.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36And what do you think of all the folks that are down there,
0:29:36 > 0:29:39- that are working to build the street? - Completely blown away.
0:29:39 > 0:29:44Just really never expected that many people would want...
0:29:44 > 0:29:49Or had that respect for veterans.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53People do care. I've got 250 people a day on site at the moment making it very clear they care.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56The people working on our site who are veterans are saying,
0:29:56 > 0:30:00"Just cos you're out of the Army doesn't mean you're out of the family."
0:30:00 > 0:30:03And they feel like they are building our house for a family member.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09You know, and you're obviously not alone, because people do care,
0:30:09 > 0:30:10whether they're veterans or not,
0:30:10 > 0:30:13they're all on site working really hard.
0:30:13 > 0:30:14You've kept them safe.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16Now it's their turn to use their skills to keep you safe.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20We're over halfway through our biggest ever build,
0:30:20 > 0:30:23although you wouldn't know it. We should've been plastering days ago.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26Downstairs, we're only just boarding and, upstairs,
0:30:26 > 0:30:29some bedrooms don't even have walls. The Prince of Darkness
0:30:29 > 0:30:33and team of sparkies are only just getting stuck in.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36There, so everything's got to come down behind that beam.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39And, with most of the brickies being used in the garden
0:30:39 > 0:30:41and not on John's dodgy wall,
0:30:41 > 0:30:43his kitchen/dining extension has ground to a halt.
0:30:43 > 0:30:48This is supposed to be a real room, with lovely things in it and... Oh!
0:30:49 > 0:30:51It's the room of doom!
0:30:54 > 0:30:55I can't... I can't even look at it.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00'We're supposed to hand this over in a few days! How would that work?'
0:31:00 > 0:31:04So, John... Do you like what we've done with the place?
0:31:04 > 0:31:08Yeah, we thought we'd go for the, er, sort of behind-the-scene look,
0:31:08 > 0:31:10so you can get a sort of feel of the effort
0:31:10 > 0:31:12of the guys putting the plaster on the wall.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15'I can feel this whole build unravelling in front of my eyes.'
0:31:15 > 0:31:16Let's keep it real.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19We'll leave the scaffolding and the roofers there
0:31:19 > 0:31:22and, er...I'd like to think we've thought of everything we need.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25You know, ventilation - very important in a room.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27Um... And lots of it.
0:31:27 > 0:31:28- This is ridiculous!- Yeah, I know.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32- How many have we got in here bricklaying?- Two, Mark.- Two?
0:31:32 > 0:31:34- Yous will get that up, won't you?- Yeah.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36Look, we'll push through it as hard as we can today.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38The boys will get this wall up for you.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41- It...- It'll be sorted, Gabbers. - This whole house...- I know!
0:31:41 > 0:31:44- ..is hinging on this flipping brick wall!- I know, I know.- And it's...
0:31:44 > 0:31:48Not just the brick wall. This wall here as well.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51- We are so far behind on this house. - I know.- I know.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55This is weeks away from being finished and this whole house...
0:31:55 > 0:31:58- 'It's actually unravelling.' - It's just... Look!
0:31:58 > 0:32:01Everywhere you look, there's just things to finish off everywhere!
0:32:01 > 0:32:04You know, I'm trying... I'm trying to be positive.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07But I can't.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10'And now, Mother Nature has turned against us.'
0:32:12 > 0:32:14This has been the most worrying for me.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17I thought Peterborough last year was the most worrying,
0:32:17 > 0:32:18but this is the most worrying.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21And because I've been banging on for ages about, er,
0:32:21 > 0:32:24how we can do it and, um...
0:32:24 > 0:32:26Like for a year! ..about how we can do this.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30So, um, it's slightly worrying that we're now hurtling towards,
0:32:30 > 0:32:32the end of our allocated time
0:32:32 > 0:32:35and it's not looking like we're going to pull it off.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39I mean, not for want of trying and not for want of effort,
0:32:39 > 0:32:42but it's just, you know, we just got such a bad start,
0:32:42 > 0:32:44it's been very difficult to make up that time.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48'With the wet weather slowing us down and morale hitting a low,
0:32:48 > 0:32:51'there's only one thing for it - a crisis talk.'
0:32:51 > 0:32:52This hasn't been done before,
0:32:52 > 0:32:54and there's a very good reason it hasn't been done before -
0:32:54 > 0:32:56because it's pretty near impossible.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00This is the first time it's ever been where we haven't finished on time
0:33:00 > 0:33:03and we can only move this once, we can't move and then move again,
0:33:03 > 0:33:06so how many days more do we need?
0:33:06 > 0:33:09- We need three days to finish the interiors of those houses.- Yeah.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11- That means we don't reveal till Monday?- Oh!
0:33:11 > 0:33:14We have got to get the interior up to speed.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16If we have to push another four days,
0:33:16 > 0:33:19we'll have to change all the insurance, the catering,
0:33:19 > 0:33:22the storage, the cabins, everything.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24I've run out of pants.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26SHE SNORTS, OVERLAPPING CHATTER
0:33:26 > 0:33:28LAUGHTER
0:33:28 > 0:33:29Unbelievable, ain't he?
0:33:29 > 0:33:31So that's settled, then -
0:33:31 > 0:33:35an extra 72 hours for us and a 40-degree wash for Mark's smalls.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39We're now 10 days in and, despite the extra work ahead,
0:33:39 > 0:33:41the spirit of the volunteers is up, up, up!
0:33:41 > 0:33:43Woohoo!
0:33:43 > 0:33:44You see, with the extra three days,
0:33:44 > 0:33:48everyone believes we can complete this community for war veterans.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51- Tell me you're coming back tomorrow? - We're coming back tomorrow.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53- Definitely?- Definitely.- Excellent.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55Excellent! Excellent!
0:33:55 > 0:33:58The Army kitchen has been working nonstop.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00They've rustled up over 7,500 butties!
0:34:00 > 0:34:02We've got through a sea of ketchup
0:34:02 > 0:34:05and we're rivalling Italy's consumption of pasta!
0:34:05 > 0:34:07- What's the food been like? - Absolutely spot on!
0:34:07 > 0:34:11And, at last, Gabby can unleash her interior design!
0:34:11 > 0:34:14- Wall! The wall!- I know!
0:34:14 > 0:34:15Thank you so much!
0:34:17 > 0:34:20I love this wall now. It's been a bad wall, but now it's lovely.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22This is your time!
0:34:22 > 0:34:23This is your moment!
0:34:23 > 0:34:26That makes me more stressed! You know that makes me more stressed!
0:34:26 > 0:34:28Only you can mess it up now.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30No, that's the worst thing you could possibly say!
0:34:30 > 0:34:32- It's a motivational speech. - No, no, but you...
0:34:32 > 0:34:35You know this makes me worse! How am I going to sleep now?
0:34:35 > 0:34:39- I'm not going to sleep now at all until we finish.- No time for sleep.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41'No-one's sleeping. The volunteers have been working all hours
0:34:41 > 0:34:44'to try and keep the build on track.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46'No wonder emotions are running high.'
0:34:46 > 0:34:49This room, this is going to be...
0:34:49 > 0:34:54John's kitchen. And at the moment, he doesn't even have a table to...
0:34:54 > 0:34:57- To be honest...- ..be with his son. This is going to be so important.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01Some of the people I've seen on here, it's upsetting.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04The people who're coming in, it's upsetting.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08- How do you mean?- Because of what they've been through.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10And what they've got.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12- Excuse me.- Oh, darling!
0:35:12 > 0:35:16- No, it's...it's upsetting.- Are you all right?- That's why I'm doing it.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19I'm sorry.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21- It is.- You'll get me going now!
0:35:21 > 0:35:25- Sorry.- You're such a lovely man, Paul. Thank you very much.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32No, it's not that. It's...it's not about me. It's about these...
0:35:35 > 0:35:38- That's right.- What you crying for? - I know! You've messed up my make-up now!
0:35:38 > 0:35:41- HE LAUGHS:- Go on, I'm all right. - All right, darling.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44The dedication here is amazing. Everyone's feeling it.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47Everyone's pushing on to help the veterans that will benefit,
0:35:47 > 0:35:50and the importance of the project has now extended
0:35:50 > 0:35:51way beyond the boundaries of the site.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55For the first time ever, we're being visited by royalty.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57The servicemen themselves, the Duke of Cambridge
0:35:57 > 0:36:02and Prince Harry have asked to see Veteran Street with their own eyes.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05- Oh, there's Nick. - Good morning, Nick.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08Good morning, your Royal Highnesses, I think is appropriate.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11- Is that right? How are you? - Yeah, very well, thanks, very well.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13- Thanks for coming. Can I introduce you to my team?- Yeah.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16Then we'll get started on filming and chatting as we go along.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18- Smashing!- You don't look like you've been working hard.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21LAUGHTER Everyone says that and it's like...
0:36:21 > 0:36:22We've gone from people who actually work
0:36:22 > 0:36:25into people who are now managing over 300 people a day,
0:36:25 > 0:36:28- so you just spend all day on a radio, organising.- All right? Oh, yeah?
0:36:28 > 0:36:30But... No, well, that's my excuse. LAUGHTER
0:36:30 > 0:36:32Come and say hello.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34'I've briefed the team on Royal etiquette.'
0:36:34 > 0:36:37- Mark Millar.- Hi. - Hi, Mark, nice to meet you.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41- Adam Frost, doing the landscapes. - The gardening fellow?- I am.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44- Chelsea Flower Show?- Yeah!- Yes? - LAUGHTER
0:36:44 > 0:36:47- BILLY:- Lovely to meet you, Sausage! - Looking forward...
0:36:47 > 0:36:49- Sausage?- Your Royal Sausage! - Royal Sausage?
0:36:49 > 0:36:53Sorry, no, he calls everyone... That's not rude! That's, er...
0:36:53 > 0:36:55- He calls...he calls... - That's a compliment?
0:36:55 > 0:36:59- Yeah, he calls everyone Sausage, so.- When I walk down the street,
0:36:59 > 0:37:01instead of Billy, they say, "All right, Sausage?"
0:37:01 > 0:37:03- Right, OK. - And I just say, "Be lucky."
0:37:03 > 0:37:06- LAUGHTER Yes.- But this is amazing!
0:37:06 > 0:37:09It's going to be a long day if you keep calling me Sausage.
0:37:09 > 0:37:10LAUGHTER
0:37:11 > 0:37:15'Trust Billy! You can't change him. Trust me, we've tried.'
0:37:15 > 0:37:18- There's a lot of people not doing much here.- You're causing a stir,
0:37:18 > 0:37:21but I'm hoping that'll settle down once we get into it.
0:37:21 > 0:37:22'Yeah, fat chance!'
0:37:22 > 0:37:24CHEERING
0:37:26 > 0:37:29- I've never seen so many happy people on a site.- They are.- Unbelievable.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33- No-one's fallen out yet.- Exactly! - It might on the last day.- Yeah.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37- What is this? This is 620,000 homes, someone told me...- Oh, yeah.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40..that are empty around the UK and we've got a housing issue anyway.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43- People need to come together and go, "Right, what can we do?"- Yeah.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45Look at Manchester, they've done it.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47Let's start getting these places up and running again!
0:37:47 > 0:37:50This community's already built, they already sort of exist.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53- Think of the street parties you can have down here.- That's it.- You know.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57'But the princes don't just want to look! They want to get stuck in.'
0:37:57 > 0:38:01- We're going in this one, I think. - Yeah?- This one?
0:38:01 > 0:38:04'I'm taking the Duke of Cambridge into the retraining home
0:38:04 > 0:38:08- 'to help with a missed coat.' How are we doing, lads?- Hi, guys.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12- How are you? Hi, there. - Gentlemen, how are we doing?
0:38:12 > 0:38:15'Prince Harry is being set to work in John's garden.'
0:38:15 > 0:38:18- Harry, I'd like you in here and on slagging.- Yeah.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22Get you on there and, um, get in here with Julian and Adam.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24What do you want me to do?
0:38:24 > 0:38:26- Once I've gone, will you rip this up and start again or not?- Grab this!
0:38:26 > 0:38:29- Of course not!- You can't, cos you're up against the time limit.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31- Grab that. - No, I have ripped a few things up.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35You boys should actually be working!
0:38:35 > 0:38:37LAUGHTER We are!
0:38:37 > 0:38:40I'm sure you've seen a prince lay a paving stone before! Go on!
0:38:40 > 0:38:43- Get back to work! - We're learning! We're learning!
0:38:43 > 0:38:46If you want to learn, then stay and watch!
0:38:48 > 0:38:51I now know why you're three days behind as well!
0:38:52 > 0:38:54Right, come on.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59Not a bad painter, to be honest.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01Better than me, which is slightly embarrassing.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04- Nick, I think yours is a bit weak. - What?- There are holes there.- No...
0:39:04 > 0:39:07Look at this, that's perfect. That looks absolutely immaculate.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10- What's going on there?- I can't believe it!- Ha-ha!- Unbelievable!
0:39:10 > 0:39:13- This is the first time you've done this, isn't it?- But...like...
0:39:13 > 0:39:16Like, as if I don't get enough from you lot,
0:39:16 > 0:39:18as soon as we get a VIP in, I'm getting it as well.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22'I think we got over the incident where Billy called Harry "Sausage".'
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- Sorry, Saus, just coming through. - You going through? Where you off to?
0:39:25 > 0:39:28- Outside, we've got lots of garden lights to go in and deal with.- OK.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32We've just got the boys to have a look at 'em and get 'em done.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35- Fantastic, good.- And the light that's going underneath...
0:39:35 > 0:39:37- Very nice.- ..the cabinets. - Yeah? Good.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39- We've got the same name.- Ha-ha!
0:39:39 > 0:39:42- Tell them what our name is. - Prince of Darkness.- There you go!
0:39:42 > 0:39:43LAUGHTER
0:39:43 > 0:39:46Love you! Love you, William!
0:39:46 > 0:39:49- Er...- Yeah, sorry about that. - No, not at all.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51- He's different.- He's lovely.- Yeah.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Nice to meet you. How you doing? What's your role on here?
0:39:56 > 0:39:58- Plumbing and heating engineer.- OK.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02- Are you helping out for free or...? - Yes.- You are?- Yeah.- Why?
0:40:02 > 0:40:05- Because it's the right thing to do, innit?- Cool.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08These people have literally put their lives on the line for us.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11- Yeah.- And it's a chance for the rest of us to say...
0:40:11 > 0:40:14Do you know something? this is the least we can do for them! The least.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17Good incentive to everybody else, that if you...
0:40:17 > 0:40:19if you work hard and honour your country,
0:40:19 > 0:40:21then you'll get looked after afterwards.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24If you're not going to get looked after afterwards,
0:40:24 > 0:40:27what kind of a country are we, you know, proving to be?
0:40:27 > 0:40:30- As you said, it's the right thing to do.- Yeah.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34- Good on you. Nice to meet you.- Very pleased to meet you, sir.- Nice one.
0:40:34 > 0:40:35Right, Harry, let's get this one in.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41- Come on, then.- You take that end. - This is as big as you. - It is, almost!
0:40:41 > 0:40:43I know that both you and your brother have been
0:40:43 > 0:40:45very keen on this community idea.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47Yeah, having that, um, that brotherhood, that family feel,
0:40:47 > 0:40:50means an awful lot to the guys, because it's very alien
0:40:50 > 0:40:52being out on your own in the middle of nowhere.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55- Yeah.- Um, and a lot of people don't understand what you've been through.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57And some of the guys, as you pointed out earlier,
0:40:57 > 0:40:59have been through very traumatic times.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02They don't want to share that sort of nastiness with people
0:41:02 > 0:41:05who don't really get it or haven't lived that, because it's not...
0:41:05 > 0:41:07They don't do that, it's not that easy to do.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11- And also, our military personnel are very proud.- Yeah.- And rightly so.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13So it's very hard that, if the service isn't there,
0:41:13 > 0:41:16they're not the kind of guys to go and complain about it.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18They suck it up and they get on with it and they deal with it,
0:41:18 > 0:41:21but they don't complain, you know, they're the most sort of modest,
0:41:21 > 0:41:24kind of upstanding people you'd ever want to meet.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26'Those sentiments are shared by the veterans on site.'
0:41:26 > 0:41:29Maybe in two years' time, we'll have then of these.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31- That would be fantastic. - That's what it needs.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34There doesn't seem to be an awful lot of work going on in there!
0:41:34 > 0:41:37- He's got his hands in his pockets! - NICK: Are you talking about us?
0:41:37 > 0:41:39Get your hands out of your pockets! That's better!
0:41:39 > 0:41:43- He's got his hands in his pockets?! - Get on with it!- Yeah, look, look!
0:41:43 > 0:41:46It's because we're finished! Because we're finished.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49'You can't question the future King's DIY skills, can you?!'
0:41:49 > 0:41:51- Would you be happy with that? - No, obviously not!
0:41:51 > 0:41:53I wouldn't want to live here with that!
0:41:53 > 0:41:56I'll tell you what, I'll finish his bad job.
0:41:56 > 0:41:57Good man, you finish it off for him.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01- 'Is he talking about mine or his brother's work?'- Thanks very much.
0:42:01 > 0:42:02LAUGHTER
0:42:02 > 0:42:05What is it? If a job's worth doing...
0:42:06 > 0:42:08All right, let that the dry, guys,
0:42:08 > 0:42:11and then come back for a second coating, all right?
0:42:11 > 0:42:13- What? No, no, I've gotta go. - HE LAUGHS
0:42:13 > 0:42:15That's it, I'm done! Knackered!
0:42:15 > 0:42:17- We've got to push through. - Cheers, guys.- All the best.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20'This visit has been a massive boost to the build.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23'Knowing we have Royal support will spur us all on.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27'Right, that was nice, but everyone back to work, please!
0:42:27 > 0:42:30'We've still got loads to do. Loads!'
0:42:30 > 0:42:33Darling, it looks absolutely gorgeous!
0:42:33 > 0:42:36Noah is going to love this. Thank you so much.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39It's complete and utter chaos at the moment,
0:42:39 > 0:42:42but it actually looks like it's coming together.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45'The volunteers have been relentless for two weeks
0:42:45 > 0:42:47'and, no matter how hard we try...'
0:42:47 > 0:42:48This is the to-do list.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51This is what we've gotta do to get out of that house!
0:42:51 > 0:42:54'..nothing can shake their spirit and determination,
0:42:54 > 0:42:58'so keen is everyone to let our war veterans know we all care.'
0:43:01 > 0:43:05- For our office, mate. - 'For the dartboard, obviously.'
0:43:12 > 0:43:16- I love you, Nick Knowles.- Aw, mate! I love you too, Billy Boom!
0:43:16 > 0:43:18There's light at the end of the tunnel.
0:43:18 > 0:43:21We're going to hand this over to the families and stuff.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24But myself and an awful lot of other people here are completely broken,
0:43:24 > 0:43:26to tell you the truth. I am.
0:43:26 > 0:43:30- That's two faces that look very tired, innit?- Yeah.- Look.
0:43:30 > 0:43:34'Yes, we might be going slightly bonkers, but we are at a milestone.'
0:43:34 > 0:43:37Finally, we have two properties finished
0:43:37 > 0:43:41and we can hand them over to veterans. Just 14 days ago,
0:43:41 > 0:43:45these two Victorian terraced properties were uninhabitable.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48But now, after knocking them into one, it's ready to serve
0:43:48 > 0:43:52as a home for veterans who want to retrain in their careers.
0:43:52 > 0:43:56The entrance hall and sumptuous living room is now double width,
0:43:56 > 0:43:59where they can hang out after a day learning new skills,
0:43:59 > 0:44:00rebuilding their lives.
0:44:02 > 0:44:05The large walk-in wet room not only looks stunning,
0:44:05 > 0:44:07but can be used by anyone.
0:44:09 > 0:44:13The bedrooms are spacious and well-lit.
0:44:15 > 0:44:17The kitchen's fully equipped to encourage cooking together
0:44:17 > 0:44:20and its stylish dining area offers the veterans
0:44:20 > 0:44:22a chance to bond over dinner.
0:44:24 > 0:44:26And when the weather allows,
0:44:26 > 0:44:30everyone can spill outside into our wheelchair-friendly garden.
0:44:31 > 0:44:35The first veteran to move in will be Jack Lamb, who's recovering
0:44:35 > 0:44:39from post-traumatic stress disorder and a bullet wound to the head.
0:44:39 > 0:44:42I knew I was injured, I knew my life had changed,
0:44:42 > 0:44:44but I was alive, you know?
0:44:44 > 0:44:47A lot of people don't get that lucky.
0:44:47 > 0:44:52He's going to stay here while he trains to become an electrician.
0:44:52 > 0:44:54In his bedroom, we've decorated it
0:44:54 > 0:44:58to be a cosy retreat for a positive future.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01This is where Jack's new journey begins.
0:45:07 > 0:45:08That's amazing, that.
0:45:10 > 0:45:12It's a lot more than I expected.
0:45:12 > 0:45:14Well, the thing is, if you are going to be here for a while
0:45:14 > 0:45:17on a training course and, you know, spending some time,
0:45:17 > 0:45:18you want it to feel like home.
0:45:18 > 0:45:20It feels it, already, just walking in.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23Having lived in the Army accommodation... Basically, we had
0:45:23 > 0:45:28a locker and a bed and that's what I was expecting at first, so this...
0:45:28 > 0:45:31You thought you were going to come in and see a line of lockers and beds.
0:45:31 > 0:45:33Well, I knew it would be amazing
0:45:33 > 0:45:35but I didn't think you could pull this off.
0:45:35 > 0:45:40It's massively... I can't even put it into words.
0:45:40 > 0:45:43- Do you want to have a look at the rest of it?- Definitely.
0:45:46 > 0:45:48It's lovely, that, like.
0:45:48 > 0:45:51You've even got a photo of me and my girlfriend already.
0:45:51 > 0:45:52Of course.
0:45:52 > 0:45:56It's really nice and I can't thank anyone enough.
0:45:56 > 0:45:59Again, you don't need to say thank you, mate,
0:45:59 > 0:46:01it's about all of us saying thank you to you.
0:46:01 > 0:46:03That just means everything.
0:46:09 > 0:46:12I can't even put it into words, this. I can't believe it.
0:46:12 > 0:46:16It's one of the nicest kitchens I've ever seen in my life.
0:46:16 > 0:46:19Now I know, it's mostly all donated.
0:46:19 > 0:46:22You don't know how kind of life-changing that can be.
0:46:22 > 0:46:25Why is it so important to you that people have actually given this?
0:46:25 > 0:46:28You go home and sometimes you feel like people don't care.
0:46:28 > 0:46:32I know they do but this proves it.
0:46:32 > 0:46:35This proves that people do actually support you.
0:46:37 > 0:46:40It is a lovely deck, that's nice.
0:46:40 > 0:46:43I will have to learn how to look after flowers now.
0:46:43 > 0:46:45You really will, cos the guy who designed this
0:46:45 > 0:46:49- is actually a world-famous garden landscape designer.- Is he?
0:46:49 > 0:46:53- And he says you can have this... - Yeah.- ..as long as you commit
0:46:53 > 0:46:55- to making sure it's all right. - Oh, definitely.
0:46:57 > 0:46:59I wanted my own independence.
0:46:59 > 0:47:03I know I've got injuries. I know I've got a brain injury,
0:47:03 > 0:47:08I know about my arm injury, but this is going to be me,
0:47:08 > 0:47:10this is going to be my place.
0:47:10 > 0:47:12It's going to make us human again
0:47:12 > 0:47:15and that is what you set out to do, at the end of the day.
0:47:17 > 0:47:21I think this is going to 100% give me an opportunity
0:47:21 > 0:47:23to make the best of myself now.
0:47:33 > 0:47:35Two weeks ago, we met John -
0:47:35 > 0:47:38feeling isolated and unsafe,
0:47:38 > 0:47:41trapped in a noisy flat, reliving nightmares.
0:47:43 > 0:47:47It's just like living in a constant fear
0:47:47 > 0:47:50and being haunted by things that you have seen and done.
0:47:51 > 0:47:54But now, with the generosity of the building community,
0:47:54 > 0:47:58we've created a home for John, somewhere he can bring his son, Noah.
0:47:58 > 0:48:03The colours are muted and calm to help John feel safe and secure.
0:48:05 > 0:48:07Just off the living room,
0:48:07 > 0:48:10there is a private study area for John to retrain,
0:48:10 > 0:48:13where his medals are now proudly displayed.
0:48:15 > 0:48:20Noah loves bath-time, so the bathroom will be perfect for splashing fun.
0:48:22 > 0:48:26The new kitchen will ensure John and Noah can bond over mealtimes.
0:48:30 > 0:48:33And in the garden, to help John relax...
0:48:34 > 0:48:40..we've added the sound of water, a stylish dining area and raised beds.
0:48:40 > 0:48:42And for Noah, a kids zone to enjoy.
0:48:44 > 0:48:47John has trouble sleeping, so we have soundproofed the walls
0:48:47 > 0:48:49and turned his bedroom into a restful haven
0:48:49 > 0:48:52so he can get the peace he needs.
0:48:52 > 0:48:55And finally, Noah's bedroom - a room of his very own -
0:48:55 > 0:49:00an Alpine-inspired wonderland to encourage play and fun.
0:49:02 > 0:49:03I can't wait to show it to him.
0:49:16 > 0:49:18How is it?
0:49:18 > 0:49:21Completely blown away.
0:49:21 > 0:49:22It's absolutely amazing.
0:49:23 > 0:49:26It's just coming in and just seeing the picture of Noah
0:49:26 > 0:49:28and just his face like that...
0:49:30 > 0:49:33Take yourself over and sit in that chair over there
0:49:33 > 0:49:34and I'll sit over here.
0:49:36 > 0:49:39So there's a few things to point out.
0:49:39 > 0:49:42- You want to see your exits?- Yeah. - That is important to you.- Yeah.
0:49:42 > 0:49:45- That's right.- So, if you look to your left, you can see it there,
0:49:45 > 0:49:47- front door there, window here. - Laid out perfectly, yeah.
0:49:49 > 0:49:51Also, listen.
0:49:52 > 0:49:56- Quiet.- The house has been really heavily soundproofed.
0:49:56 > 0:49:58Really heavily soundproofed, so you shouldn't be affected
0:49:58 > 0:50:00by noises in the street, or bangs and crashes
0:50:00 > 0:50:03- when people are picking up bins or anything like that.- Yeah.
0:50:03 > 0:50:04That is the thing, it's like,
0:50:04 > 0:50:07just the slightest bang, it just sets you off straightaway and
0:50:07 > 0:50:10puts you really on edge and definitely, like, straightaway,
0:50:10 > 0:50:11I just feel nice and relaxed.
0:50:11 > 0:50:14- You all right to go and see the rest of it?- Yeah.
0:50:15 > 0:50:17Oh, wow.
0:50:20 > 0:50:22Oh, it's just awesome.
0:50:24 > 0:50:27- Will this kitchen make a difference, then?- Definitely.
0:50:27 > 0:50:30I'll be trying to encourage people to come round to dinner parties
0:50:30 > 0:50:31and stuff like that.
0:50:34 > 0:50:35- Your bedroom.- Oh, my God.
0:50:37 > 0:50:38This is just amazing.
0:50:43 > 0:50:45I'll definitely be sleeping in here.
0:50:45 > 0:50:47It just looks so nice and cosy...
0:50:48 > 0:50:50..and relaxing.
0:50:50 > 0:50:52And silent.
0:50:52 > 0:50:55- No more sleeping on the sofa?- No.
0:50:55 > 0:50:57No, no, I'll definitely be in here.
0:50:59 > 0:51:01And here is the other thing,
0:51:01 > 0:51:05- that you can't go back to going being who you were.- No.
0:51:05 > 0:51:07- You're a good man...- Yeah.
0:51:07 > 0:51:11- ..and you need to start believing that yourself.- Yeah.
0:51:11 > 0:51:12- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:51:12 > 0:51:15And again, looking after myself, that's what I was saying.
0:51:15 > 0:51:18Just...you get into a phase where you neglect yourself
0:51:18 > 0:51:21and neglect where you are and stuff like that.
0:51:23 > 0:51:24Yeah, again, that just helps.
0:51:24 > 0:51:27I'll be very upset with you if you neglect yourself here.
0:51:27 > 0:51:30I don't think I will be here, no way.
0:51:30 > 0:51:34No, I'll be happy, and I'll just be proud.
0:51:34 > 0:51:38- Do you want to see Noah's bedroom? - Yeah, definitely.- Come on.
0:51:40 > 0:51:42My God!
0:51:47 > 0:51:50This is just awesome.
0:51:50 > 0:51:53Just great to have...for him to have his own room.
0:51:53 > 0:51:56- Like a tepee sort of bed thing going on.- Yeah, that is lush.
0:51:57 > 0:51:59He's going to love it here.
0:52:03 > 0:52:06He's really going to love it.
0:52:06 > 0:52:10I really can't wait to see his face when he comes in here.
0:52:10 > 0:52:12- Shall we go and get him, then?- Yeah.
0:52:12 > 0:52:13And in you go.
0:52:14 > 0:52:16Off you go. Look at this.
0:52:18 > 0:52:21- Look at this, Noah.- Oh, wow.
0:52:21 > 0:52:23- Little fishes.- Look at the fishes.
0:52:23 > 0:52:26- It's lovely, John. - It's awesome, isn't it?
0:52:26 > 0:52:27Yeah, it's really nice.
0:52:27 > 0:52:30You want to go and see the rest?
0:52:30 > 0:52:33- That's it.- That's it...- Go on in. - ..and in you go.
0:52:33 > 0:52:34In you go.
0:52:34 > 0:52:36Look at this, Noah.
0:52:36 > 0:52:38Oh, wow.
0:52:40 > 0:52:43- There's my car.- Is that for you?
0:52:43 > 0:52:48- Is this your new room? - Yes, for me! And they are my cars.
0:52:49 > 0:52:50Look at your bed.
0:52:50 > 0:52:52Look at this bed.
0:52:54 > 0:52:55Wow.
0:52:57 > 0:52:58Are you going to be in there?
0:53:00 > 0:53:03- And my fox.- With your fox?
0:53:03 > 0:53:06He's going to love going to sleep in that.
0:53:06 > 0:53:07I want to get in!
0:53:09 > 0:53:13- Shall we do some bedtime reading? - Yeah.- Yeah?
0:53:13 > 0:53:16- Have you noticed how much John is smiling?- Yeah, yeah, a lot.
0:53:16 > 0:53:18You said you hadn't seen that in a long time.
0:53:18 > 0:53:21We've not seen it in a very long time. He is really happy.
0:53:25 > 0:53:27Wow, look at this.
0:53:27 > 0:53:29- Is this your new table for dinner time?- Yeah.
0:53:29 > 0:53:32- We can sit down and have dinner together.- Yeah.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:53:33 > 0:53:36For washing the plates.
0:53:36 > 0:53:39- Yeah, you can wash your plates. - Yeah. And also...
0:53:40 > 0:53:42- Don't touch it.- No.
0:53:44 > 0:53:48- Are you going to help Daddy wash the dishes when you come and stay?- Yeah?
0:53:51 > 0:53:53Out we come.
0:53:53 > 0:53:55- Oh, wow.- What do you think, Noah?
0:53:55 > 0:53:57- Is this your new garden?- Yeah.
0:53:57 > 0:53:59- Digger!- And you've got a digger.
0:53:59 > 0:54:02Shall we go and see your little play area?
0:54:02 > 0:54:05How is it, seeing Noah come into this house with John?
0:54:05 > 0:54:08Oh, I think it's absolutely brilliant.
0:54:08 > 0:54:13John already seems happier and Noah thinks it's absolutely fantastic.
0:54:13 > 0:54:16And they can be a proper family together in the house,
0:54:16 > 0:54:19whereas at the moment, I think John tries to get out of the flat
0:54:19 > 0:54:21cos it's not a nice place to live.
0:54:24 > 0:54:26You've had some very, very tough times together.
0:54:26 > 0:54:31Yeah. You can see how this whole project has made a big change
0:54:31 > 0:54:33to him. I think it's fantastic.
0:54:33 > 0:54:36The thing we haven't been able to talk to people about is that,
0:54:36 > 0:54:41when PTSD happens to a soldier, it doesn't only happen to a soldier,
0:54:41 > 0:54:43- does it?- No, no, it happens to the whole family.
0:54:43 > 0:54:45It has a massive impact on the whole family,
0:54:45 > 0:54:49and not just me and Noah, I'm talking about wider family as well.
0:54:49 > 0:54:52It destroys lives. It does destroy lives.
0:54:52 > 0:54:55We had hopes and dreams of what our future would be when we got married,
0:54:55 > 0:54:59and none of that sort of come to light because of the PTSD.
0:54:59 > 0:55:01It's just ripped the family apart.
0:55:01 > 0:55:03But if the guys can get the support like they have here,
0:55:03 > 0:55:06where they've got a community around them, you can see a brighter future?
0:55:06 > 0:55:08Yeah, I see a brighter future, definitely.
0:55:08 > 0:55:11He can relate to people and he's not isolated,
0:55:11 > 0:55:14he's not on his own, he can go and get the help that he needs.
0:55:14 > 0:55:16You all right, mate? I can see you listening.
0:55:18 > 0:55:19Yeah.
0:55:21 > 0:55:26- Yeah.- Is it..?- I just feel sorry for everything, really.
0:55:26 > 0:55:30It's just completely ripped us apart.
0:55:30 > 0:55:32Like Emma said, we had hopes and dreams of doing
0:55:32 > 0:55:37lots of different things and then literally, I destroyed it all.
0:55:37 > 0:55:41- No...- You didn't destroy it, it is PTSD that destroyed it.
0:55:45 > 0:55:47- I'm happy that you're happy. - I am.
0:55:48 > 0:55:50I'm just glad you're here.
0:55:55 > 0:55:57I'm so glad you're happy.
0:55:57 > 0:55:59Yeah. I'm just so sorry about everything.
0:56:06 > 0:56:10- Thank you for being here. - No, I support you.- I know.
0:56:10 > 0:56:11I support you.
0:56:13 > 0:56:15I just feel guilty for everything.
0:56:18 > 0:56:22MUSIC: Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
0:56:22 > 0:56:24- Noah's making a mess already! - He's having fun.
0:56:24 > 0:56:26Adam, who designed these gardens,
0:56:26 > 0:56:29he'll be very upset he's digging it all out and putting it all over...
0:56:29 > 0:56:32Look, already his digger's gone to work there. Look at this.
0:56:32 > 0:56:35- He's digging up the plants...- Yeah. - ..he's digging up the...
0:56:35 > 0:56:37Let's sweep that back in before Adam sees it.
0:56:37 > 0:56:39I'm already in trouble. EMMA LAUGHS
0:56:39 > 0:56:43Thank you very much for everything that you've done.
0:56:43 > 0:56:46Do you know what? There's been, like, hundreds of people
0:56:46 > 0:56:48- that have come from all over the country to do this...- Yeah.
0:56:48 > 0:56:50- ..cos people understand, you know? - Yeah.
0:56:50 > 0:56:52We just need more people to understand.
0:56:52 > 0:56:55- Do you want to meet some of the people that built it?- Definitely.
0:57:01 > 0:57:05MUSIC: Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol
0:57:06 > 0:57:09CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:57:12 > 0:57:15You deserve the round of applause more than us.
0:57:15 > 0:57:18- It must have been some effort, like. - LAUGHTER
0:57:21 > 0:57:23I would like to thank everything for what you have done.
0:57:23 > 0:57:25It's an amazing job, like.
0:57:25 > 0:57:28You've made England proud, you've made Britain
0:57:28 > 0:57:30and the service proud.
0:57:31 > 0:57:33CHEERING
0:57:35 > 0:57:38What you've achieved in such a short space of time is just unbelievable.
0:57:38 > 0:57:41I just can't thank you enough, and to see Noah's face when
0:57:41 > 0:57:44he walked into his own room - to have his own room -
0:57:44 > 0:57:46it just blew me away. It really did.
0:57:46 > 0:57:50And he is just going to absolutely love it there now, aren't you?
0:57:50 > 0:57:53It is a tough battle, isn't it, to come to terms with it?
0:57:53 > 0:57:56The PTSD, it changed everything,
0:57:56 > 0:58:00it changed the person who I married and today,
0:58:00 > 0:58:03all the hard work that you guys have put in, it is a fresh start,
0:58:03 > 0:58:07and it is a start of a chance for a new life for us.
0:58:07 > 0:58:12And to build on that and to start again, it's just fantastic.
0:58:12 > 0:58:16Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I mean it, thank you.
0:58:17 > 0:58:20But we're only halfway through.
0:58:20 > 0:58:24Next week, our biggest ever build continues.
0:58:24 > 0:58:27The deadline has moved, it's not going to move again.
0:58:27 > 0:58:30As we take on a house for Lamin, a soldier who has given
0:58:30 > 0:58:32so much for his country.
0:58:32 > 0:58:34I was devastated.
0:58:34 > 0:58:38But we also need to build a support centre for our veterans.
0:58:38 > 0:58:39Where is the floor?
0:58:39 > 0:58:43And if that wasn't enough, we have the entire street to finish.
0:58:44 > 0:58:46Cheers, thank you.