0:00:02 > 0:00:04I just want to be here for my kids
0:00:05 > 0:00:08and be, in their eyes, a strong, happy, good mum.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11But sometimes illness strikes so hard
0:00:11 > 0:00:14it stops the most important things in life.
0:00:14 > 0:00:15There's times when I go to bed
0:00:15 > 0:00:18and I worry that I might not wake up in the morning.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20For Sasha, time is running out.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23I've lost lots of friends to kidney disease.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27And it's an awful illness and you just wonder when...
0:00:27 > 0:00:29when's it going to be my turn?
0:00:29 > 0:00:33But there is hope. Having dialysis at home regularly
0:00:33 > 0:00:35could extend her life indefinitely.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39Home dialysis is as good as having a kidney transplant.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42But for this mum, it's just not an option.
0:00:42 > 0:00:43There's just not the space.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45The place isn't big enough.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50Sasha has been a midwife to the local community for 12 years.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54Now we need that community to help one of its own.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- It's in. - It's in. Go down.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00By building a dedicated treatment room at home,
0:01:00 > 0:01:02we'll be bringing a loving family back together
0:01:02 > 0:01:05and helping to keep Mum alive.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07This nightmare's finally over.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13We have nine days to carry out the build.
0:01:13 > 0:01:14All the usual suspects are here.
0:01:14 > 0:01:15- Chris!- Rarr!
0:01:15 > 0:01:17- Jules!- Meow!
0:01:17 > 0:01:22Mark, Billy, me...
0:01:22 > 0:01:25and not forgetting the Titian Aphrodite herself,
0:01:25 > 0:01:27designer Gabrielle Blackman.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32And this is a special show - we're in Billy's home town, which is...
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Welwyn Garden City!
0:01:35 > 0:01:38And he's brought all his friends along to help.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41Luckily, we've got all our friends along to help, too.
0:01:41 > 0:01:42This is DIY SOS: The Big Build!
0:01:55 > 0:01:58Sasha and husband Andrew live, as you've just found out,
0:01:58 > 0:02:01in Welwyn Garden City with their four children.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04We met at uni on pound-a-pint night.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06Romantic!
0:02:08 > 0:02:11But we told the kids we met in the library.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15After one week, I said to him, "I'm going to marry you."
0:02:16 > 0:02:18And I was trying to run away but...
0:02:21 > 0:02:22Yup, you got that one right.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24- Didn't you, darling?- Mm. Yeah.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27We were together, everything was great, life was great,
0:02:27 > 0:02:30we had everything going for us and then, bam, nowhere...
0:02:30 > 0:02:33It was actually the evening of my graduation.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36And I had this sort of cough and throat thing going on,
0:02:36 > 0:02:38just thought it was a bit of stress.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40But then from there I developed a nasty rash
0:02:40 > 0:02:42and one thing led to another,
0:02:42 > 0:02:45I went to the doctor's and they said,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48"I think you need to have a kidney biopsy."
0:02:48 > 0:02:51A doctor came over, looked quite solemn, and said,
0:02:51 > 0:02:53"I'm sorry to tell you,
0:02:53 > 0:02:57"but you have an aggressive form of chronic kidney disease."
0:02:58 > 0:03:01But he said to me, "Well, there's not really a cure,
0:03:01 > 0:03:04"but we can prolong the life of your kidneys.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09"At some stage, you may need dialysis or a transplant,
0:03:09 > 0:03:12"but possibly 10-20 years away."
0:03:12 > 0:03:17And I think, at the age I was then, that seemed like a lifetime away.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19Optimistic about the immediate future,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22Sasha, who already had a son, Charlie,
0:03:22 > 0:03:25from a previous relationship, married Andrew in 2008.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27They quickly set about adding to the family.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31Firstly with Andreas, and then two years later with Alex,
0:03:31 > 0:03:34and finally Alicia was born in 2013.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38But the pregnancies took their toll on Sasha.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42Her kidneys rapidly deteriorated and she was forced to start dialysis
0:03:42 > 0:03:43much sooner than anticipated.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Statistically, 5-10 years is a kind of...
0:03:51 > 0:03:54..rough life expectancy on dialysis.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56Knowing that Sasha's...
0:03:58 > 0:04:00actually got a life expectancy...
0:04:07 > 0:04:09We can't lose you. You're our world.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11Sasha is at the hospital so often
0:04:11 > 0:04:15that the family barely spends any time together.
0:04:15 > 0:04:22I had always imagined that I would be a mum that did everything.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25I see myself as a burden to Andrew and Charlie
0:04:25 > 0:04:26because they always have to
0:04:26 > 0:04:29pick up the pieces for me when I'm in hospital.
0:04:29 > 0:04:34And my role as a mum feels like it's pretty part-time at the moment, and
0:04:34 > 0:04:37it's horrible.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39Like that. 'We don't do anything at all in comparison'
0:04:39 > 0:04:41to what you have to go through.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47You have to sit there for six hours, four, five times a week.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51Putting needles in, passing out at times.
0:04:51 > 0:04:52We've just got to get through it.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58The truth is that the treatment Sasha receives puts enormous strain
0:04:58 > 0:05:01on her body, which leaves her at high-risk
0:05:01 > 0:05:03of heart attack and stroke.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06Can you say bye to her and that you'll see her in the morning?
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- Yeah.- Yeah. - So, do you miss her, then?
0:05:08 > 0:05:10Yeah.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12Yeah?
0:05:12 > 0:05:14Well, she'll be coming home later.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16She's going to come and tuck you in as well, OK?
0:05:16 > 0:05:18So why's Mummy gone to dialysis?
0:05:18 > 0:05:23- To get better.- To get better. - And so that she can not die.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27Having my mum home on home dialysis would be great.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29I'd get to see her more, Dad would get to see her more.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31Um...
0:05:31 > 0:05:33It would be like a complete family,
0:05:33 > 0:05:37rather than having one person missing all the time.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40But having been assessed by a hospital team,
0:05:40 > 0:05:44their house was deemed too small for the specialist infrastructure needed
0:05:44 > 0:05:46for home dialysis.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49I just want to be here for my kids
0:05:49 > 0:05:53and be, in their eyes, a strong, happy, good mum.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57The difference between hospital and home dialysis
0:05:57 > 0:06:00could be literally life or death for Sasha
0:06:00 > 0:06:03and all they need to make that happen is a new home.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05It's what we do.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10So, what is the most critical thing you need in here?
0:06:10 > 0:06:14A room that can have a dialysis machine in it
0:06:14 > 0:06:16so I can have my treatment at home.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19But if you could do home dialysis...
0:06:19 > 0:06:21- Mm-hmm.- That would change things.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24Yeah. Yeah. Having home dialysis, for me personally, my situation,
0:06:24 > 0:06:27would be as good as having a transplant.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29It would increase my life expectancy,
0:06:29 > 0:06:31it would improve my day-to-day life,
0:06:31 > 0:06:34my blood results, my health, everything.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37And what were the chances of this actually happening
0:06:37 > 0:06:38before we came along?
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Yeah, we were just about making it as we were.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45As a guy, you do, you want to protect...
0:06:46 > 0:06:49..and, yeah, it's so frustrating.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51New start - me back.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- Is that how you feel? That you would have YOU back?- Yeah. Yeah.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57Being able to do to put the kids back to bed.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59Yeah. Eat with my kids.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01Put them to bed, do everything I should be doing.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03Isn't that amazing, that actually builders
0:07:03 > 0:07:07- could actually make that much of a difference?- Yeah.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12APPLAUSE We asked for help, and Billy's home town hasn't let us down.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15It's one of the best turnouts for trade we've ever seen.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- There's loads of you. - Thank you for being here.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21What you're doing is amazing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for
0:07:21 > 0:07:23- turning up.- Thank you.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26I've been nervous, I promise you I've been nervous and everything,
0:07:26 > 0:07:29thinking, wow, all that.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33I talk about our Gracie, and look at this turnout.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35Amazing.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40'Aw, bless him.
0:07:40 > 0:07:45'And as the family retreats, let the mayhem begin.'
0:07:45 > 0:07:48We've only got nine days to help, so we're throwing away about a third of
0:07:48 > 0:07:51the house. Really, everything bar the kitchen sink.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53Oh, there goes the kitchen sink.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56We've obviously started on the planning upstairs.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58That's going well. It's all right,
0:07:58 > 0:08:00we're taking all the ceilings down in here anyway.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03Creating a treatment room for Sasha
0:08:03 > 0:08:06is not just about moving a few walls around.
0:08:06 > 0:08:07She needs to have a dedicated space
0:08:07 > 0:08:09with specialist infrastructure,
0:08:09 > 0:08:13like a filtered water supply and a separate electrical circuit.
0:08:13 > 0:08:14But ultimately,
0:08:14 > 0:08:16this build is all about bringing a family back together.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19So, to make it suitable for all their needs,
0:08:19 > 0:08:22we are going to restructure the entire house.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25So this is the general mayhem that happens in a house when we get started
0:08:25 > 0:08:28like this, because everybody's moving in all directions at once.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31Come through. Do you know, the weird thing is
0:08:31 > 0:08:33everybody's getting on and seems to know
0:08:33 > 0:08:38what they're doing, which is... Kind of handy in a mayhem kind of way.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40We're going to increase the footprint of the house
0:08:40 > 0:08:43by adding an extension so they still have family space,
0:08:43 > 0:08:48but to build the foundations for this, we've had to move the garden.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50Out back was a steeply raked wilderness,
0:08:50 > 0:08:51so for the groundworks,
0:08:51 > 0:08:56local builder Mark and his team undertook two weeks of preparation.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00They shifted an incredible 200 tonnes of earth and rubble,
0:09:00 > 0:09:03all of which had to be transported across a field.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07But all that effort has left us with this -
0:09:07 > 0:09:11a blank canvas to start our nine-day build on.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14And it's a scorcher, 31 degrees.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16I'd normally expect to see Jules in a digger,
0:09:16 > 0:09:19but with the groundworks done, I hope he's not slacking.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21Look, I'm so hot.
0:09:21 > 0:09:22Why aren't you sweating and hot?
0:09:22 > 0:09:24Because I'm plainly more fitter than you.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28Yes, I've been demoted to the steels.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31And it's all coming out. We've marked it all up, measured it up,
0:09:31 > 0:09:34they're taking the brickwork away.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36Steel man's coming later on in the day to do final measurements.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Yeah, he needs some water, he's quite unfit.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41See, you're not sweating either. Look at me.
0:09:41 > 0:09:42- Look.- Yeah, see.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44- Said that, didn't we?- Yeah, we did. Unfit.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46'It's all about the hydration. Because I'm worth it.'
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- There you go, Gabby.- Two "B"s in it.
0:09:50 > 0:09:51It's like...
0:09:53 > 0:09:55Nobody spells Gabby like that, do they?
0:09:55 > 0:09:57You're upset about the second "B".
0:09:57 > 0:09:59Have you put something much ruder on it and I haven't seen?
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- No, it says Gabby. - It says Grabby!
0:10:03 > 0:10:04'It's all about the fee.'
0:10:06 > 0:10:09Give me your hat. Hmm...
0:10:09 > 0:10:10- What rude word..?- Yeah,
0:10:10 > 0:10:12what can you change Nick into that's going to be rude?
0:10:12 > 0:10:14I can't think of anything.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16'No answers on a postcard, thank you.'
0:10:16 > 0:10:18Ice cream!
0:10:18 > 0:10:20Ice cream! Who wants an ice cream?
0:10:20 > 0:10:21Yeah!
0:10:21 > 0:10:24'With everyone having a well-earned mid-morning break in the shade,
0:10:24 > 0:10:26'me and Grabby have the house to ourselves.'
0:10:28 > 0:10:30What an effort by everybody this morning.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32- Amazing.- So what is it they're trying to achieve for you down here?
0:10:32 > 0:10:33Because of her condition,
0:10:33 > 0:10:36she's got to be really careful about not getting infections and not
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- getting ill. - Infection is a major thing.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- Yeah.- So everything has to be super cleanable.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42And weirdly, we normally say, when we
0:10:42 > 0:10:46try and do a house for somebody with a disability or something and they
0:10:46 > 0:10:48need specialist equipment,
0:10:48 > 0:10:50we are always trying to make it NOT medical.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- Yeah.- Yeah. Look homely. But of course, the room that
0:10:52 > 0:10:54we're putting in here specifically for her,
0:10:54 > 0:10:57which is going to change her life, HAS to be medical, doesn't it?
0:10:57 > 0:10:59Yeah, for once, we are not multitasking in this room.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03This is serious business in here, and it's got to look perfect.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06The dialysis room will be separate from the rest of the house
0:11:06 > 0:11:09to allow Sasha to relax during her treatment.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12So we'll be partitioning off what is currently the dining area
0:11:12 > 0:11:16to create the space required. But if it were that easy, I hear you say,
0:11:16 > 0:11:19why haven't Sasha and Andrew done it themselves?
0:11:19 > 0:11:22Well, it isn't that easy. We need to build in a filtered water supply
0:11:22 > 0:11:25and a separate electrical circuit and drainage, too.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27These are big jobs, believe me.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29The large extension to the rear
0:11:29 > 0:11:31will increase the ground floor by a third,
0:11:31 > 0:11:34creating a huge kitchen and living area,
0:11:34 > 0:11:36a space to bring the family back together.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39Upstairs, we're losing the immersion tank and using the extra space
0:11:39 > 0:11:42to give the two young lads a bigger bedroom.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46Youngest Alicia gets a proper little girl's bedroom and eldest Charlie
0:11:46 > 0:11:48and mum and dad aren't forgotten either.
0:11:48 > 0:11:49We are going to better utilise
0:11:49 > 0:11:52the space in the bathroom by giving it a complete overhaul.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55We're also installing an air filter in the roof which will provide a
0:11:55 > 0:11:58pollutant-free atmosphere throughout the house.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01Outside, the reclaimed garden will become a multi-layered oasis -
0:12:01 > 0:12:06again, somewhere the family can relax and just enjoy being together.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08The biggest treat, the biggest Saturday night treat
0:12:08 > 0:12:11they can imagine is being in together.
0:12:11 > 0:12:12That is their dream, you know,
0:12:12 > 0:12:15and so we want this lovely extension
0:12:15 > 0:12:18that we are making for them is going
0:12:18 > 0:12:21to be a really sociable, lovely, cosy space
0:12:21 > 0:12:23and that's their dream night out,
0:12:23 > 0:12:25is to be in. So...
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Isn't it funny how the ordinary
0:12:27 > 0:12:29isn't valued until it's gone?
0:12:30 > 0:12:34Break time over, and the team are pressing on with the build.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37Jules is on the case with the steels.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40He's actually waving his arms a lot and trying to look busy,
0:12:40 > 0:12:44but in actual fact he has not got much going on, he really hasn't.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46So our timber-framed building is already up.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49If you look, there's the opening for the back doors, the wall is going
0:12:49 > 0:12:53all the way round, so we now have the internal skin of the building.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55By the end of the day we should have all this covered in. Amazingly.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Billy and his team of bright sparks have their work cut out installing
0:13:00 > 0:13:04power to the dialysis room and the air filtration system.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09- But this is your peeps.- Yes.- These are your peeps, this is your tribe.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- These are my boys, look at them. - You are proper proud, aren't you?- Yes, I am.
0:13:12 > 0:13:17Everyone is bouncing off each other as well, it's brilliant. Maybe that's because
0:13:17 > 0:13:18there's not a lot of room!
0:13:18 > 0:13:21'Lovely to see Billy on cracking form.'
0:13:21 > 0:13:26This is also the stage where the design department, that's Gabby, by the way,
0:13:26 > 0:13:28gets up to stuff. Machiavellian is the word.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Don't tell Mark. We need to pretend this already exists
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- and it's no problem.- OK. - Because I'm in really
0:13:34 > 0:13:36big trouble for doing too much bespoke stuff
0:13:36 > 0:13:38so if we just sneak in, make a shopping list.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41- Bespoke is just a word. - It's just a word, darling,
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- nothing to be frightened of. - It just means built on site, really.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47So Mark is getting really, really annoyed with me
0:13:47 > 0:13:50because I make too much bespoke stuff, but
0:13:50 > 0:13:51I kind of can't help myself
0:13:51 > 0:13:53because it just looks better, it works better
0:13:53 > 0:13:58and this is a small house. Sasha needs storage, so there is kind of
0:13:58 > 0:14:02a pretty big piece of bespoke joinery in every room.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05So we've got all these incredible skilled trades here.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08He wants them on the first fix, quite rightly,
0:14:08 > 0:14:09and I understand that,
0:14:09 > 0:14:12but I just want to steal a bit of their time today
0:14:12 > 0:14:15so we can prepare all of the kit I need for the next phase.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18But this is when we properly come to blows at this point.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20If I had a quid for every time
0:14:20 > 0:14:22bespoke furniture had caused an argument, I'd have...
0:14:22 > 0:14:24£23, actually.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28Clearly things are about to fall apart here as well, so that's 24.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- Enjoying yourself?- Yes, great stuff, it's good.- And why did you decide to
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- join in and help out?- My fiancee is on dialysis just now as well, so
0:14:37 > 0:14:41she's on it three times a week, so that's partly my reason.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43So you know what the family are going through?
0:14:43 > 0:14:47Yes, and obviously Sue knows as well. It is tough, yes.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50Does it feel good to be able to bring your skills to bear to
0:14:50 > 0:14:51change things around?
0:14:51 > 0:14:53Oh, definitely. That's what it's all about.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- Enjoying it?- Enjoying it, yeah. - Brilliant.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00He and his fiancee know that dialysis
0:15:00 > 0:15:03needed for stage five or end-stage patients such as Sasha
0:15:03 > 0:15:06is so demanding and aggressive it can be life-threatening.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08Sasha has previously
0:15:08 > 0:15:11experienced what can go wrong after she attended hospital
0:15:11 > 0:15:13for a regular appointment.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17My heart rate was 200 beats a minute and they did a test to
0:15:17 > 0:15:21see the condition of my heart, and it had gone into a really dangerous,
0:15:21 > 0:15:25abnormal rhythm and I had to have life-saving resuscitation drugs
0:15:25 > 0:15:28to kick-start my heart back into a normal rhythm.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32With Sasha leading such a precarious existence,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35it was her younger brother Darren who offered a lifeline.
0:15:35 > 0:15:41My brother said to me, "If you need my kidney, then you can have it.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44"I don't want you going through that."
0:15:44 > 0:15:47The transplant operation was a success.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51Sasha had got her life back, thanks to Darren's amazing gift.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Everything kind of started going back to normal
0:15:54 > 0:15:56after the recuperation period.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00I went back to work and it was great.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02Short but great.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08And we had just got back on our feet
0:16:08 > 0:16:10and there was a knock at the door
0:16:10 > 0:16:13and there was a policeman.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17He told me that my little brother had died in the night.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21He had...
0:16:21 > 0:16:24taken his own life
0:16:24 > 0:16:28and, um...we...
0:16:28 > 0:16:31It was just the biggest shock because...
0:16:32 > 0:16:34I didn't even know.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38We were so close. I saw him every day, spoke to him every day,
0:16:38 > 0:16:41and there was not one hint that he was depressed or feeling low
0:16:41 > 0:16:44or anything.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46It was just like the biggest bolt out of the blue.
0:16:48 > 0:16:56After that happened, it was just a really, really difficult time
0:16:56 > 0:17:01because my little brother and me had been through so much together.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04I just couldn't cope, life, work.
0:17:04 > 0:17:09And I started to feel poorly again and I think I knew really
0:17:09 > 0:17:14what was going on and then the doctor said,
0:17:14 > 0:17:17"We are really sorry, but you
0:17:17 > 0:17:19"are losing your brother's kidney."
0:17:19 > 0:17:23Sasha's body rejected her brother's kidney.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26There was no choice but to go back on dialysis.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Some people seem to have more pain than seems fair,
0:17:30 > 0:17:35but we have a chance here to bring a little sunshine back,
0:17:35 > 0:17:37a chance of a real home life.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39Our builders know that.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42Back on site, walls are going up as quickly
0:17:42 > 0:17:43as they are coming down.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46Sasha's story is really propelling this build forward.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48Out back, it's like a giant game of Jenga.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51200 wooden sleepers are starting to shape the garden
0:17:51 > 0:17:55and inside, Mark's best-laid plans
0:17:55 > 0:17:56are starting to fall apart.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01I've just noticed that Gabby is having a bespoke bed built
0:18:01 > 0:18:04in this room as well. And I've just noticed she's having a bespoke bed
0:18:04 > 0:18:06built in the back room as well.
0:18:06 > 0:18:11And I've just noticed she is doing a bespoke seating area down the
0:18:11 > 0:18:15stairs as well. Nice, isn't it?
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- Everything is bespoke. - Everything is bespoke, yeah.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- Gabbers!- Yeah.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26Gabbers!
0:18:26 > 0:18:28What's up?
0:18:30 > 0:18:32This was all going really well.
0:18:32 > 0:18:33Yes, it's going brilliantly.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35It's going brilliant, absolutely brilliant.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37The walls are coming out, the old structure is absolutely
0:18:37 > 0:18:42fantastic, but once again you have landed the furniture bomb.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45I was worried you'd be upset, but honestly, it's fine.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Don't blow it, Gabbers, do not blow it.
0:18:50 > 0:18:51- WHISPERS:- Don't say anything.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53They love each other really.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56The steels have arrived. That is Devon "full speed", by the way.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59Jules is really excited. He looks it, doesn't he? Yes.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07These steels are very heavy but there's no lack of helping hands.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10In they go and, in a perfect bit of timing,
0:19:10 > 0:19:14they are very closely followed by the roof to the extension.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17It's in four pieces, each one lifted in with superhuman effort.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20I'm starting to see why Billy loves his tribe.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23His people, they are good people, salt of the earth.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30This is all going in very well, isn't it? Look at that. Got the roof on, the walls out,
0:19:30 > 0:19:32the sparkies are on their way downstairs, look.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35So that means I will be upstairs prepping tomorrow
0:19:35 > 0:19:37- for the plastering. - It's going to make you a happy boy.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40It will. Got to take your hat off to these boys.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42Back on - health and safety.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45And as the light finally starts to fade,
0:19:45 > 0:19:48it's amazing that we now have an extension built.
0:19:48 > 0:19:49A cracking turnout, isn't it?
0:19:49 > 0:19:52And here we are, late, hanging on past finishing time.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55Even the ones that aren't actually joining in,
0:19:55 > 0:19:57they are all stood there watching.
0:19:57 > 0:19:58It's like real teamwork.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11Another beautiful day in Billy's hometown of Welwyn Garden City.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14After such a strong turnout yesterday,
0:20:14 > 0:20:19day two starts in more subdued fashion and with sobering thoughts.
0:20:20 > 0:20:21This room is really very important.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24This is the dialysis room so we need to get everything spot on.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26This room has to be absolutely perfect.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28We have dialysis equipment going into this room
0:20:28 > 0:20:31and we have got to have drainage for that and we've got to have a sink
0:20:31 > 0:20:33in here, but we have also got to have all
0:20:33 > 0:20:36these electrical points that have to be spot on and running off
0:20:36 > 0:20:39their own feed, so that if the electrics go down in the house,
0:20:39 > 0:20:41they are not affected,
0:20:41 > 0:20:46so they are all on a safety trip, so this room has to be 100%.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48To be honest, I know it's a family home,
0:20:48 > 0:20:50but this is the most important room in the house.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54As the team dig the drainage channel for the dialysis room, you
0:20:54 > 0:20:58can see why all of this would have been too much for Sasha and Andrew.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01It takes a big builder's team to make it happen.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03At 19, Sasha's son Charlie
0:21:03 > 0:21:07remembers his mum when she was well. But seeing her go through the recent
0:21:07 > 0:21:11bad times is tough for any young man to bear.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13What do you think people wouldn't understand
0:21:13 > 0:21:16about being in the situation that your family has been in?
0:21:16 > 0:21:17The littlest thing,
0:21:17 > 0:21:20like having everyone sat around the table at one time,
0:21:20 > 0:21:25is valued in our house so, yeah, definitely, I think a lot of people
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- do take stuff for granted. - You and her have got a really, really special
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- bond, haven't you?- Oh, yeah.- She had you young but she wanted to go on to
0:21:31 > 0:21:36- university so...- Yeah, she did really well. I wouldn't have been able to.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38And how do you think the little ones are dealing with the situation?
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- Do they know Mum is not well?- Yeah, they do. I don't think they quite
0:21:42 > 0:21:43understand the threat.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47Well, they understand that if she doesn't go, she
0:21:47 > 0:21:51- will die because Alex has said that before.- Has he?- Yeah.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54But I don't think they understand how big the risk is.
0:21:54 > 0:21:55How do you live with the risk
0:21:55 > 0:21:58to your mum who you have such a special relationship with?
0:21:58 > 0:22:02Yeah, I'd be really lost if she went. Really.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06He is such a good lad, Charlie,
0:22:06 > 0:22:08and he does so much to help around the house.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12His work has been really good about having time off work.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15Talking of work, it's not working in the house.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19Basically Gabbers has got this drawn up at 7,255 wide here,
0:22:19 > 0:22:21which is correct on the outside,
0:22:21 > 0:22:25but we have had to move this wall in from the neighbour's
0:22:25 > 0:22:27to create a cavity wall because we weren't allowed
0:22:27 > 0:22:29to build directly on the neighbour's wall.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31So it has reduced this reveal on this corner.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34The whole extension has been measured off that wall so basically
0:22:34 > 0:22:36the extension has gone like that.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42If you worked on 450, I think what you will have to do
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- is build that out.- We were expecting to do that but we thought we had...
0:22:45 > 0:22:49were supposed to have a cupboard depth on this wall.
0:22:49 > 0:22:527,255. You see, I don't think you have even got that.
0:22:55 > 0:23:01And what it means is that the bespoke furniture unit planned for the extension now doesn't fit.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03We have to build everything off site
0:23:03 > 0:23:06prepared to just slot in like a beautiful jigsaw puzzle
0:23:06 > 0:23:07and everything is fine.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09And what's happened here is the room
0:23:09 > 0:23:12is a different shape, the window is in a different position,
0:23:12 > 0:23:15the bifold doors are in a different position.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17It affects everything.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Gabs is about to sound dramatic on the phone.
0:23:20 > 0:23:21Wait for it, here it comes.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24Dave, it's Gabbers from SOS and we've got a major drama here
0:23:24 > 0:23:26with the big unit. Could you give me a call
0:23:26 > 0:23:29as soon as you get a moment, and I'm really sorry in advance!
0:23:29 > 0:23:33- Please give me a call, thank you, bye.- Told you so.
0:23:33 > 0:23:38I am absolutely furious about it but we have just got to make this work.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40It's 31 degrees,
0:23:40 > 0:23:42I'm wearing a plastic hat, I'm a ginger woman and my life
0:23:42 > 0:23:44has just been completely ruined.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48If ever she needed an online dating profile, that would be it.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53Billy has been a bit absent, hasn't he? No-one has seen him all day.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56Apparently he has got all misty-eyed and wandered off into the street.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58You see, Welwyn Garden City is the place he calls home,
0:23:58 > 0:24:01so you can't begrudge him a trip up memory lane.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06Here we are, Welwyn Garden City, my home town.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10I've been here man and boy, and I absolutely love it.
0:24:11 > 0:24:12Billy.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15- Hello, son.- Haven't seen you for ages, how are you doing?- I'm fine.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17- You're looking really well. - Hi, Billy.- Hi, sweetheart.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- All right, darling? Fine, thank you. - Lovely to see you.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22You haven't got far to go to work this time, have you?
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- No, you're right. Kevin.- How are you doing, mate?
0:24:25 > 0:24:30Oh, look, this building here, back in the '70s I done all the wiring.
0:24:30 > 0:24:31Gosh, it does bring back memories.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34That is why there is still scaffolding up -
0:24:34 > 0:24:36it caught fire recently.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40- How are you doing? - Hiya. Oh, we've woken up now, haven't we? Hiya.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42It's like the Second Coming.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46- Yes, any excuse. - It's your birthday?
0:24:46 > 0:24:48It's my birthday today.
0:24:48 > 0:24:49It's my birthday too!
0:24:49 > 0:24:51Are you all right?
0:24:51 > 0:24:53Yeah, now I've seen you I'm fine.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57So good to meet you. Went for the lips then, did you see that?
0:24:57 > 0:25:00I thought you was going to go to the side!
0:25:00 > 0:25:03I hope she's up-to-date on her injections.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06He had a lucky escape, or is he disappointed?
0:25:06 > 0:25:09- Hi, Billy.- Hi, sweetheart, are you all right?
0:25:09 > 0:25:11You know, he's been banging on about Welwyn for so long
0:25:11 > 0:25:13I can almost see the attraction.
0:25:13 > 0:25:18Look at the pride on his face. A man who has called royalty "Sausage".
0:25:18 > 0:25:20So welcome home, Sausage.
0:25:23 > 0:25:24Another beautiful day.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26There's as many people outside as there are inside.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29- So you've taken on the landscaping?- Yes, so we've got
0:25:29 > 0:25:33family space at the bottom for them, a level patio four metres wide
0:25:33 > 0:25:35stepping sleeper work up,
0:25:35 > 0:25:39nice feature steps coming through, landing,
0:25:39 > 0:25:42it's just going to be exactly what the spec needed.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44Your biggest difficulty working out here
0:25:44 > 0:25:46is the only access for the builders in and out is through
0:25:46 > 0:25:49this space, so no matter what you are working on, there will always be
0:25:49 > 0:25:50people going backwards and forwards.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53Exactly. That is why we've chosen the materials we've chosen
0:25:53 > 0:25:55because we can stay late one night and put the
0:25:55 > 0:25:58resin down and it will be rock-hard next morning,
0:25:58 > 0:26:00and you can walk straight over it.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02Genius planning is what that is.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04I'm worried about the front garden, though.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06It has actually been completely missed off the design.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09The crazy paving and concrete cherubs -
0:26:09 > 0:26:11it looks a bit of a homage to the 1970s
0:26:11 > 0:26:14but local volunteer Joy has a cunning plan.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18Take the whole lot out and fill it with pea shingle.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- And big pebble stones? - You've got these
0:26:21 > 0:26:24lovely big stones in there, it would be a shame to get rid of them.
0:26:24 > 0:26:25Couple of bonsai trees.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28Yeah, and the little bonsai trees, etc, it would be a shame
0:26:28 > 0:26:29to get rid of those as well.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32They can be taken out and saved because
0:26:32 > 0:26:35- they are healthy. - That's an interesting thought.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38And it might be kind of cool when she's actually having
0:26:38 > 0:26:39her treatment inside that room
0:26:39 > 0:26:43to be able to look out the window onto that peaceful,
0:26:43 > 0:26:44serene Japanese Zen garden.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46That nice Zen thing going on.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48I like your thinking, Joy.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50As the distinctly un-Zen-like mallets
0:26:50 > 0:26:52start breaking up the garden at the front,
0:26:52 > 0:26:57a brick skin is being built around the extension at the back.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01It's also becoming watertight with the fitting of two skylights
0:27:01 > 0:27:04and the kitchen window, and after the pleading dramatic phone call
0:27:04 > 0:27:07yesterday, Gabs has managed to get hold of Dave,
0:27:07 > 0:27:10who is supplying the bespoke unit for the extension.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13The house has been made a slightly different size from the drawings
0:27:13 > 0:27:17- that you and I have been working from.- Right.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20And this is a lot less than the 650
0:27:20 > 0:27:23- we thought we had.- OK.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25And I'm so sorry because I know you have already made the unit,
0:27:25 > 0:27:30- haven't you?- We have, yes. Yeah, everything has been processed
0:27:30 > 0:27:34and cut, it's just about to be put together.
0:27:34 > 0:27:39So there's a chance that we could adjust.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42You see, the designer reads "there's a chance"
0:27:42 > 0:27:44as "it will get done",
0:27:44 > 0:27:47but, you know, it usually gets done, so she's usually right.
0:27:47 > 0:27:48Late on day three,
0:27:48 > 0:27:50work starts on laying the screed for the kitchen floor.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52With the only access to the building
0:27:52 > 0:27:53being through the rear of the house,
0:27:53 > 0:27:56an accelerator is being added to the dry concrete mix,
0:27:56 > 0:27:58because it has to be dry in the morning.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00If it's not, we are -
0:28:00 > 0:28:02what's the word? - troubled.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07Halfway through the build and things are heating up nicely.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09And so are we.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11- How you doing, lads? All right? - Yeah, good.- All good.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14- How's the roof coming along? - It's coming along fine.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16- Yeah?- Couple of hours, it will all be done.
0:28:16 > 0:28:17Lovely.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20Look at this. Look, look, look. A floor.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24All gone off, nice and solid.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27It's actually starting to look like a building and, of course,
0:28:27 > 0:28:30we also get the plaster on today, and when plaster goes on,
0:28:30 > 0:28:32the building suddenly starts to look like a home again.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34I think it always looks like a building site
0:28:34 > 0:28:36until you start to get plaster on.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38And that's going to start happening today.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41What are your, er, priorities in terms of rooms?
0:28:41 > 0:28:43Start at the top. We prepped yesterday.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46I want to try and get as much skimming and prep done upstairs
0:28:46 > 0:28:49while the Barmy Army down here are plaster-boarding,
0:28:49 > 0:28:52so we can work our way from upstairs, get the bathroom done.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54But we've got to get into the kitchen,
0:28:54 > 0:28:57cos the kitchen's coming on Saturday, the day after tomorrow.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00Yep, we'd better get our skates on. Or stilts, in this case.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03You know, plastering is something I could watch all day.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07There's something Zen about it, almost meditate-ory.
0:29:07 > 0:29:08It sets me to thinking,
0:29:08 > 0:29:12how does Andrew manage to keep going and doing so much
0:29:12 > 0:29:14when there's such worry for Sasha's health
0:29:14 > 0:29:16hanging over them all the time?
0:29:18 > 0:29:22Being on dialysis, there's this life expectancy...
0:29:22 > 0:29:24You know, they say five to ten years.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28She's been on and off since 2012 and...
0:29:28 > 0:29:29Erm...
0:29:29 > 0:29:31Yeah. She comes home sometimes
0:29:31 > 0:29:35and tells me of another friend of hers on dialysis
0:29:35 > 0:29:38who's passed away and you sort of dread to think...
0:29:40 > 0:29:41You know, is that...?
0:29:41 > 0:29:44That day's sort of getting closer and closer.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47And you can't fix her, you can't make things better, erm...
0:29:47 > 0:29:51Does it break your heart, seeing her having to do all the things she has to do?
0:29:51 > 0:29:54Of course. Yeah. I mean, it...
0:29:58 > 0:30:00Basically, there's days that,
0:30:00 > 0:30:02you know, I'll catch her crying at the front door.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04"I don't want to go, I don't want to go." Erm...
0:30:06 > 0:30:08You know, I don't want her to go to have dialysis,
0:30:08 > 0:30:10I want to stay there with us.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13You know, she's got to go cos it's going to save her life.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16The kids are sort of saying, "Is Mummy at dialysis today?"
0:30:16 > 0:30:19"Is she going to be home before bed so she can put us to bed?"
0:30:21 > 0:30:23Yeah, that's difficult, too. But...
0:30:23 > 0:30:27Can you see a different future now if we can get her dialysis at home?
0:30:27 > 0:30:30Can you imagine a different future?
0:30:30 > 0:30:31It's going to save her life,
0:30:31 > 0:30:37because she can... Her treatment can be slower and smoother,
0:30:37 > 0:30:40she won't have the pressure on her heart or...
0:30:40 > 0:30:43Knowing that she's going to be around for a bit longer now is...
0:30:47 > 0:30:50is the most amazing thing ever. It's...
0:30:50 > 0:30:52I'm not sure we've ever built a building
0:30:52 > 0:30:54where it actually saved someone's life.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57The fact is it will extend...
0:30:57 > 0:30:59It'll make her better and it'll actually extend her life.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02From having that life and now looking ahead,
0:31:02 > 0:31:05it's just going to completely change our lives, it's...
0:31:05 > 0:31:07I can't believe that all those people
0:31:07 > 0:31:09are giving us family life back.
0:31:09 > 0:31:10We owe 'em everything.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16And they're all beavering away.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19Furniture maker Dave is bringing in the remeasured and recut unit
0:31:19 > 0:31:21for the extension.
0:31:21 > 0:31:22Carpenters are working everywhere.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25It's all creating a nice ambience around the house.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28And having pulled a late one last night preparing for the plasterers,
0:31:28 > 0:31:31Chris has got wind of some after-hours activities
0:31:31 > 0:31:33that have been going on without him.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35- Excuse me. - INDISTINCT
0:31:35 > 0:31:36You're a sparky.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39Have you had a drink with Billy? At all, since we started this job?
0:31:39 > 0:31:41- Yeah, we have, actually.- Where?
0:31:41 > 0:31:45- Down the cricket club, down the road.- When?- Wednesday and Thursday.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49What, just the sparks, no-one else?
0:31:49 > 0:31:52- Yeah. Yeah. No, the garden guys came.- Oh.
0:31:52 > 0:31:53LAUGHTER
0:31:53 > 0:31:55- You're joking, aren't you? - No, no, I'm serious.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57Billy!
0:31:57 > 0:31:59Billy! Down here, please.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02- Why haven't we been invited? - I don't know, mate.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04- I ain't got a clue. - No, but you're the host.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07The gardeners have gone out with you, the sparkies have gone out with you.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11- Apparently you're going out with the carpet-fitters tonight. - Are we?- No, you are.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14All I've heard for 17 years about this great city
0:32:14 > 0:32:16and I haven't seen it! God...
0:32:16 > 0:32:18- BILLY LAUGHS - It's unbelievable, isn't it?
0:32:18 > 0:32:20Are we going for a drink tonight, Bill, yeah?
0:32:20 > 0:32:22Mmm... Yeah, of course I am.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24I'm not hurt, I'm a little bit, like...
0:32:24 > 0:32:26- Sorry, buddy. - What time we meeting tonight?
0:32:26 > 0:32:29- You, go on.- He only lives round the corner from me,
0:32:29 > 0:32:32- so I can get a lift home. - I'll pick you up on the way.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34- BILLY LAUGHS - You think you know someone.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36- You think you know someone. - Can you sort something out, please?
0:32:36 > 0:32:39- Yeah.- I think I'd better sort out some counselling.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42Now, that looks like a smoke alarm, but it isn't.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44It's actually an air filtration unit.
0:32:44 > 0:32:45Mark, explain, will you?
0:32:45 > 0:32:48This is the techie hub up here, isn't it?
0:32:48 > 0:32:49Does it extract moisture and stuff?
0:32:49 > 0:32:52No, no, we're working the opposite way, so we...
0:32:52 > 0:32:54push, put air in...
0:32:54 > 0:32:57And it will pressurise the property, to force all the moisture out.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59Why is that so good for the family?
0:32:59 > 0:33:01Pushing all the moisture out, it's going to stop them...
0:33:01 > 0:33:05Condensation, mould, helps with health benefits, like asthma.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07And that's exactly what Sasha needs,
0:33:07 > 0:33:10- she needs somewhere very clean, clean, fresh air.- Yes.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12Fresh filtered air, 24-7.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15That's handy, isn't it? From top to toe, this house is coming together.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19This is the water filtration system, critical to the dialysis.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23And the bathrooms upstairs and down are being retiled and modernised.
0:33:23 > 0:33:29This is going to be one gorgeous house for Sasha to move back into.
0:33:33 > 0:33:38Kidney disease kills around 45,000 people prematurely every year.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41But it's not easy to spot.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44You can't tell if someone's unwell.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46- You look well.- Yeah.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48You talk as if you are well.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50You get on with your life as if you are well.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53- Mm-hmm.- So, how ill are you?
0:33:54 > 0:33:57Well, I don't like complaining about being ill, but today,
0:33:57 > 0:34:01now I could easily go and throw up, lie down and go to sleep.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05My legs are killing me, my bones ache, I feel sick,
0:34:05 > 0:34:06I've got a headache.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09And if I could be at home in my bed, I would be.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13So when you go to bed at night and you lay your head on the pillow and
0:34:13 > 0:34:16before you go to sleep, which is the time everybody does their really in-depth thinking...
0:34:16 > 0:34:18- Mm.- What are those thoughts?
0:34:18 > 0:34:21What's the things that run through your mind at that stage?
0:34:21 > 0:34:26There's times when I go to bed and I worry that I might not wake up in the morning. I worry...
0:34:26 > 0:34:27Just worry about the future.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29And the kids, like what...
0:34:29 > 0:34:30Life without Mummy?
0:34:30 > 0:34:33When do you think was the most difficult time in the whole process?
0:34:35 > 0:34:38- Er...- Or is now the most difficult time?- No. No.
0:34:38 > 0:34:39Losing my brother.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43- Was it?- It nearly finished me off, yeah.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50When he went, not only did a massive part of me go, but I sort of...
0:34:50 > 0:34:55I just didn't see it coming, it was the biggest...biggest shock.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57And it just...
0:34:57 > 0:34:58I felt like it ruined me.
0:34:58 > 0:35:03A few months ago, it actually pains me to say this,
0:35:03 > 0:35:05but I text my friend and said,
0:35:05 > 0:35:10"I feel like I've hit the wall and I can't carry on with this."
0:35:10 > 0:35:11That must be terrifying.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14If I'm not going to lead a long life,
0:35:14 > 0:35:17then I feel like I should be at home with my kids
0:35:17 > 0:35:20and the people that matter.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22Making memories, having fun.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25But I'm not, I'm at the hospital every day.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27Last Christmas Eve,
0:35:27 > 0:35:30I wasn't home to do all the bit where you fill the stockings
0:35:30 > 0:35:32and lay out bits for Santa..
0:35:32 > 0:35:35- I missed it all. - Having home dialysis,
0:35:35 > 0:35:37it actually changes a lot, doesn't it?
0:35:37 > 0:35:40Yeah, it will change everything for me, yeah.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42There's hope for the future now,
0:35:42 > 0:35:45and to have hope for your future...
0:35:45 > 0:35:47And can you imagine having no hope?
0:35:47 > 0:35:51- Like, that... That's pretty... dire place to be.- Mm.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55Erm, but now we've got hope back - and it's everything.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58That is... It's just sort of taking us through.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02'And it's their local community that are bringing back that hope.'
0:36:04 > 0:36:06Our time is running out on the back garden, but it's taking shape
0:36:06 > 0:36:10and the planting has arrived. It's a mix of native and exotic,
0:36:10 > 0:36:13including this beautiful 15-year-old olive tree.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16Which is quite handy, as Andrew has Cypriot heritage.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20And just to feel completely at home, here comes a bunch of...
0:36:20 > 0:36:23- Grapes. Where are the grapes going? - Behind you, over there.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27- In here?- Yeah.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29So, it should snuggle in, underneath here.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34I want to train it across there,
0:36:34 > 0:36:36that should be beautiful, just along this trellis.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38- It's amazing.- Nice, isn't it?
0:36:38 > 0:36:41Are you happy? You designed the garden. Is it, like...?
0:36:41 > 0:36:43Just to prove it is, here's the original...
0:36:43 > 0:36:46view and an idea of how it was going to be.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48I actually think it's actually turned out to be even better.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51- It has.- Are you proud of it? - I love it. I mean...
0:36:51 > 0:36:56When I was here first of all, when it was just literally like nothing,
0:36:56 > 0:36:59I could kind of see through that, that it could be great,
0:36:59 > 0:37:01and often the different levels can add to the design.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03And I'm loving it, I'd like this garden myself,
0:37:03 > 0:37:06it just works. It's like a giant outdoor room, really, isn't it?
0:37:06 > 0:37:08That's it, it is, and that's the thing,
0:37:08 > 0:37:10when you've got a house that's as tight as this,
0:37:10 > 0:37:12to actually give them almost double their living space...
0:37:12 > 0:37:14Yeah, I mean, I hope they like it. Do you think they will?
0:37:14 > 0:37:17How could you not like this? It's phenomenal.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20I want this garden. I want this garden on the back of my house.
0:37:20 > 0:37:21I want it moved and put there.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24I also want a pint this evening, and so does Chris,
0:37:24 > 0:37:25only we haven't been invited.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29I want to go out. You know, we're in Welwyn with the boys.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33Well, I can't. I've got a new conditioner to try tonight, so that's me out.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36- Er... And to shave.- What are you up to? Coming out for a beer?
0:37:36 > 0:37:39No, I was going to go back to the hotel, have a little meal in the restaurant by myself.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41What's the matter? I've asked the whole site today
0:37:41 > 0:37:43and everyone's doing something.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46Is it me? Are you winding everyone up, or something?
0:37:46 > 0:37:48Tell you what, sausage, I've got it sorted.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51We've got a cab picking you up at quarter past seven.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55Yeah? That's all I wanted to hear, all day long. That's all I wanted to hear. We're doing something.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58Right, come on, then. Let's go and get changed. Thank you.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00Quick, he'll never notice.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02Come on, Jules, keep running.
0:38:02 > 0:38:03I'll catch him.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05Come here!
0:38:05 > 0:38:06You still haven't asked me!
0:38:09 > 0:38:12Anyway, next day, balustrades made by the same people
0:38:12 > 0:38:16who gave us all the steels have turned up, and they are beautiful.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19I mean, really, really beautiful.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21Local trades. That's what you need.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23- What do you think?- They're gorgeous.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26Well, that's me and Jules.
0:38:26 > 0:38:27It's gorgeous.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30The rail's quite nice, as well!
0:38:30 > 0:38:31LAUGHTER
0:38:31 > 0:38:34Nice, me and you working together, isn't it?
0:38:34 > 0:38:35It's really good.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38I think the way you hold those railings up is really excellent.
0:38:41 > 0:38:42LAUGHTER
0:38:43 > 0:38:46And across the house, something strange is happening.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49It's difficult to put your finger on what it is, but dare I say it,
0:38:49 > 0:38:51there's a lot of love in this building.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54It's being put in to absolutely every aspect of it.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56Even the local wildlife are getting involved.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59And it's making everyone a big softie at heart.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02We had an orange juice last night, after work, didn't we?
0:39:02 > 0:39:03We certainly did...
0:39:03 > 0:39:07And, er, you were saying it's like it's kind of like shocked you,
0:39:07 > 0:39:09everything that's gone on...
0:39:09 > 0:39:12To take a house apart like this, as a contractor,
0:39:12 > 0:39:13is three months' work.
0:39:13 > 0:39:18To join forces with all these other lovely people, it's nine days' work.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22That, to me, that's camaraderie, that's heartfelt, that's...
0:39:22 > 0:39:24You want to be there, you want to do it.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26You can't bottle this. You can't bottle this,
0:39:26 > 0:39:28it's impossible to bottle this.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30To get all these guys together and work as one?
0:39:30 > 0:39:32We're not...
0:39:32 > 0:39:36I'm a carpenter, painter, electricians, we're all one.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38We are, we're one big family.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40You know, to be a part of this,
0:39:40 > 0:39:42I'm so proud to be a part of this.
0:39:42 > 0:39:43That is phenomenal.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45You know? That is worth every...
0:39:45 > 0:39:47It is. It's just...
0:39:47 > 0:39:50I can't go on no more. I'm sorry.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52It's just stunning.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55- Brilliant.- It's as simple as that. - Bring it in, big man, bring it in.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57NICK STRAINS Easy! Easy...
0:39:57 > 0:39:58THEY LAUGH
0:40:00 > 0:40:02With most people now inside the house,
0:40:02 > 0:40:04there's a rare chance for the landscapers
0:40:04 > 0:40:07to lay the beautiful resin and pea gravel mix.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10Well, we don't want anyone sticking themselves to the steps, do we?
0:40:10 > 0:40:11But with one day to go,
0:40:11 > 0:40:13it's the arrival of the dialysis equipment
0:40:13 > 0:40:15that brings everything home.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17HE EXHALES DEEPLY
0:40:20 > 0:40:21Look, Mark!
0:40:23 > 0:40:24Worky.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26- It fits.- Wow. That's great.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29I know, it's never been known before, but it actually fits.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31- That is amazing.- That's fab.
0:40:31 > 0:40:32Erm...
0:40:34 > 0:40:36It's sobering, isn't it?
0:40:36 > 0:40:38It's a bit of a reality check, isn't it?
0:40:39 > 0:40:41I just find this room really emotional.
0:40:41 > 0:40:46Every time I come in here, I want to cry, cos it's just so...
0:40:46 > 0:40:50It just really brings it home, what Sasha goes through every day.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53Really, really big stuff.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56INDISTINCT VOICES IN BACKGROUND
0:41:01 > 0:41:02You all right, darling?
0:41:02 > 0:41:03Hello, what's that?
0:41:04 > 0:41:07Where did Mark go? Did he go that way?
0:41:07 > 0:41:09- Mark...?- Yeah.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11- Probably.- Yeah.- Oh.
0:41:12 > 0:41:14You all right, darling?
0:41:14 > 0:41:16- MARK HYPERVENTILATES - I know, I know....
0:41:17 > 0:41:21I just... I literally, I just had a massive reality check, cos...
0:41:23 > 0:41:25I walked into the room and I saw that light flashing.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27And, erm...
0:41:31 > 0:41:33- You all right? What's up? - It's just...
0:41:33 > 0:41:36A dialysis room is just... I think it's just...
0:41:36 > 0:41:39We've all been so worried about it, and it's all fine,
0:41:39 > 0:41:44we've done it correctly, but it's just so, the cold reality of just,
0:41:44 > 0:41:47- all that kit, when you see it put in is just...- Oh, I see.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50- Just focus on the build, you know, get the house together.- Yeah.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53- Yeah.- And then you walk in, and...
0:41:53 > 0:41:55This is what...
0:41:55 > 0:41:57- This is what keeps her alive. - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05And with a collective force of will,
0:42:05 > 0:42:07the good trades and people of Hertfordshire
0:42:07 > 0:42:09are delivering the big finish.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14Sasha, Andrew, Charlie and the kids will not believe what's happened
0:42:14 > 0:42:16to their house in the last nine days.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20You know what? I can't wait to show them the results.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28Kidney failure meant that midwife and mum Sasha has had to endure
0:42:28 > 0:42:31intensive dialysis at hospital, just to stay alive.
0:42:31 > 0:42:36But her life expectancy was down to just a few short years.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38Her best hope lay with home analysis,
0:42:38 > 0:42:42a gentler treatment, which offered the potential of extending her life
0:42:42 > 0:42:45indefinitely and keeping Sasha together with her family.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48But her home was too small
0:42:48 > 0:42:50and lacked the specialist set-up needed
0:42:50 > 0:42:52for a dedicated treatment room.
0:42:52 > 0:42:57With hope and finances in short supply, Sasha was close to the edge.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59I just sank to dark depths.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01I've never been there before.
0:43:01 > 0:43:05But when there's nothing in your future, to kind of look forward to,
0:43:05 > 0:43:09because you're not around to see the kids growing up and you can't see
0:43:09 > 0:43:13a way out how you're going to get of this mess, it's just so bleak.
0:43:13 > 0:43:15As a midwife in the local community,
0:43:15 > 0:43:17we needed that community to help one of its own.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21So, when we put out the SOS nine days ago, they came out in force,
0:43:21 > 0:43:25working side by side to bring the family back together.
0:43:25 > 0:43:27And just look what they've achieved.
0:43:33 > 0:43:37To build the special treatment room Sasha needed and let her spend
0:43:37 > 0:43:38more time with her family,
0:43:38 > 0:43:41we've restructured the cramped and impractical layout.
0:43:41 > 0:43:45By adding an extension to the rear of the property,
0:43:45 > 0:43:47we've doubled the size of the kitchen
0:43:47 > 0:43:51and created an open space for bringing the family together,
0:43:51 > 0:43:53where they can relax and socialise.
0:43:56 > 0:44:00Bespoke storage means that Sasha can enjoy a clutter-free home.
0:44:01 > 0:44:05And a seating area means their dream of cosy Saturday nights in
0:44:05 > 0:44:07will now become a reality.
0:44:09 > 0:44:11Upstairs, the family bathroom, which felt cold and cramped,
0:44:11 > 0:44:16now feels bigger and brighter, thanks to a modern suite.
0:44:18 > 0:44:21With the removal of the old-style immersion tank,
0:44:21 > 0:44:24it's grown Andreas' and Alex's bedroom.
0:44:24 > 0:44:27Now they've got more space to do what boys do.
0:44:30 > 0:44:32Charlie, after all his efforts helping Mum,
0:44:32 > 0:44:35gets a room more befitting of a young adult.
0:44:38 > 0:44:42And Alicia's nursery is now a bedroom fit for a princess.
0:44:48 > 0:44:52Mum and Dad's bedroom has changed into a lovingly-designed,
0:44:52 > 0:44:54restful sanctuary.
0:44:57 > 0:44:59The garden has changed beyond recognition.
0:44:59 > 0:45:02Gone is the steep, uninviting wilderness.
0:45:03 > 0:45:09Now it's a multi-levelled, multiuse garden for kids' play and picnics.
0:45:09 > 0:45:10It's beautiful.
0:45:15 > 0:45:17Having increased the size of the house,
0:45:17 > 0:45:20we were able to utilise what had been the dining area
0:45:20 > 0:45:24to provide a fully-quipped dialysis room.
0:45:24 > 0:45:26This is the big one. It's everything Sasha needs
0:45:26 > 0:45:29to self-administer her treatment and stay well.
0:45:35 > 0:45:37If you're ready, open your eyes.
0:45:41 > 0:45:42Oh, my God!
0:45:42 > 0:45:44SASHA LAUGHS
0:45:46 > 0:45:48- Oh, my...- Where are we?
0:45:51 > 0:45:53Can't believe it.
0:45:53 > 0:45:55Look at this place.
0:45:59 > 0:46:01Wow. It's just beautiful.
0:46:01 > 0:46:03Absolutely amazing.
0:46:03 > 0:46:04I can't work out where we are.
0:46:04 > 0:46:06Well, this bit that you're standing in here...
0:46:06 > 0:46:09- Yeah, where are we? - This bit was your kitchen.
0:46:10 > 0:46:14- And this bit is all new-built. - Oh, my God.
0:46:14 > 0:46:16So, this was the back of your house.
0:46:16 > 0:46:18We've taken it out and put steels in and supported it all up.
0:46:20 > 0:46:23How could...? How could we deserve all of this?
0:46:28 > 0:46:30SASHA LAUGHS
0:46:32 > 0:46:33Wow!
0:46:33 > 0:46:37- Do you like it? - I love it!- Absolutely amazing.
0:46:37 > 0:46:39- Look.- So much space to walk around.
0:46:39 > 0:46:41Look, I've got a little space!
0:46:42 > 0:46:44- The little dressing table.- Yeah!
0:46:44 > 0:46:46- Is that a big deal? - It is a big deal.
0:46:46 > 0:46:50- It's a clever use of space, isn't it?- It's just amazing.
0:46:53 > 0:46:54- Oh... - SASHA LAUGHS
0:46:54 > 0:46:57- Oh, this is amazing. - He's going to...
0:46:59 > 0:47:02- This is perfect.- He's going to be over the moon with this.
0:47:07 > 0:47:08This is has got to you
0:47:08 > 0:47:10more than the living room and kitchen, hasn't it?
0:47:10 > 0:47:12Why is this one such a big deal?
0:47:12 > 0:47:14He just does so much for us.
0:47:14 > 0:47:20And we couldn't ever do anything like this for him ourselves...
0:47:24 > 0:47:26He deserves this more than any of us.
0:47:26 > 0:47:28He never asks for a thing.
0:47:29 > 0:47:31It's just amazing.
0:47:32 > 0:47:35He's going to love it. I'm so happy for him.
0:47:39 > 0:47:40The boys' room.
0:47:42 > 0:47:44Oh, wow, look!
0:47:44 > 0:47:47- Oh, my God.- Oh, they are going to love this!
0:47:47 > 0:47:49Look at it!
0:47:49 > 0:47:53- Beautiful.- Perfect.- This is the best kids' room I've ever seen!
0:47:53 > 0:47:55Only one person we haven't organised something for,
0:47:55 > 0:47:58- your little miracle. - My little princess.
0:47:58 > 0:48:00- Ready to see her room?- Yeah. - Come on.
0:48:04 > 0:48:05THEY LAUGH
0:48:05 > 0:48:07Oh, my! Look, look!
0:48:07 > 0:48:10She's got a little house of her own, look.
0:48:10 > 0:48:12Oh, look.
0:48:12 > 0:48:14Oh, she's going to love this.
0:48:14 > 0:48:17A little shelf for all her dollies and a proper bed.
0:48:17 > 0:48:21- Is the room good enough for...? - The room is perfect
0:48:21 > 0:48:22for my little princess, yeah.
0:48:22 > 0:48:24Have a sit down.
0:48:24 > 0:48:25Oh, look.
0:48:27 > 0:48:28That's just amazing.
0:48:28 > 0:48:30SASHA SNIFFS
0:48:31 > 0:48:34- Oh, God.- Am I going to lose you in this room?
0:48:34 > 0:48:37- You're going to snuggle in with these two?- Yeah, play with...
0:48:38 > 0:48:40I can't believe this has happened.
0:48:42 > 0:48:45Do you feel like a change is starting?
0:48:45 > 0:48:48Yeah. I already feel different.
0:48:48 > 0:48:50We've struggled for too long.
0:48:50 > 0:48:53Everything's been a struggle.
0:48:53 > 0:48:55And now we don't have to do it.
0:48:55 > 0:49:00OK, so we've done kitchen-diner, living room,
0:49:00 > 0:49:05erm, new downstairs, all the bedrooms upstairs.
0:49:05 > 0:49:07New bathroom, obviously.
0:49:07 > 0:49:09We've still missed something, haven't we?
0:49:09 > 0:49:10Dialysis room.
0:49:12 > 0:49:14You ready?
0:49:15 > 0:49:17Sure?
0:49:18 > 0:49:19I didn't think so.
0:49:21 > 0:49:23It's been a very...
0:49:23 > 0:49:25very long road, hasn't it?
0:49:25 > 0:49:27I just feel so...
0:49:28 > 0:49:29I'm so lucky...
0:49:29 > 0:49:31I'm so happy that this...
0:49:31 > 0:49:34this nightmare's finally over.
0:49:47 > 0:49:50- Is that all plumbed in? - All plumbed in.
0:49:50 > 0:49:52- And, like, it's all ready? - It's all ready.
0:49:54 > 0:49:56Yeah. This is just...
0:49:56 > 0:50:01And all the water purifying is, er, is built in underneath here.
0:50:01 > 0:50:05- Oh, wow.- Goes directly into your dialysis machine, there.
0:50:05 > 0:50:07Importantly, the new electric system.
0:50:07 > 0:50:10This is a separate electric system in here
0:50:10 > 0:50:12to the rest of the house, so that
0:50:12 > 0:50:15if there's ever a power cut or a fuse goes,
0:50:15 > 0:50:16you can actually restart it from here.
0:50:16 > 0:50:19- You can press a button here and it restarts...- And it won't affect...?
0:50:19 > 0:50:21Won't affect whilst you're on the machine.
0:50:21 > 0:50:23So, the electrical system is built in there.
0:50:23 > 0:50:27From the position you're in there, if you open the shutters,
0:50:27 > 0:50:29you can actually see the Japanese contemplative garden
0:50:29 > 0:50:32and the maple tree, which will change colour, all year round.
0:50:32 > 0:50:35Of course, you can actually keep the shutters closed for some privacy.
0:50:35 > 0:50:37What does this thing do?
0:50:39 > 0:50:40Keeps me alive.
0:50:43 > 0:50:45Gives you back to us, as well, doesn't it?
0:50:47 > 0:50:50I've lost a lot of friends to this disease.
0:50:50 > 0:50:53And...I'm one of the lucky ones.
0:50:54 > 0:50:57Well, we've all got your back now, haven't we? Eh?
0:51:02 > 0:51:04What changes now for you?
0:51:04 > 0:51:06Well, it changes everything, because, erm...
0:51:08 > 0:51:13Home dialysis can increase your life expectancy massively
0:51:13 > 0:51:16and as a mum with young kids, that's what I want.
0:51:16 > 0:51:20I want to be here. I love life, I love my kids, I want to be here.
0:51:20 > 0:51:23And this is going to help massively.
0:51:26 > 0:51:28Right, let's get the kids in, shall we?
0:51:29 > 0:51:33- Let's have a look.- Yeah! - Let's have a look.- Thank you!
0:51:33 > 0:51:35Look in these little cosy beds.
0:51:35 > 0:51:36My bed!
0:51:36 > 0:51:38My bed up here.
0:51:39 > 0:51:40Come on, Alex. You can do it.
0:51:40 > 0:51:42- Climb it.- Come on, Alex.
0:51:42 > 0:51:44What do you think?
0:51:44 > 0:51:46ANDREW LAUGHS
0:51:52 > 0:51:54- SASHA:- Look.
0:51:54 > 0:51:58You've got a special, special bed haven't you? Look.
0:52:00 > 0:52:01What do you think?
0:52:01 > 0:52:04- Yeah.- Do you love it?- Look, a pig.
0:52:04 > 0:52:06SASHA LAUGHS
0:52:11 > 0:52:12This is your room.
0:52:12 > 0:52:14That's cosy, isn't it?
0:52:15 > 0:52:16Look at this!
0:52:17 > 0:52:19Oh, God.
0:52:19 > 0:52:22I love the bones off you, you know that.
0:52:22 > 0:52:26- Yeah.- You are my best, best friend.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31And I just wanted, I wanted to do something lovely for you.
0:52:31 > 0:52:35Forever, but our life has always been hard, and I never, ever could.
0:52:35 > 0:52:36And this...
0:52:38 > 0:52:42This is just everything I wish I could've done a whole lot earlier,
0:52:42 > 0:52:43and I'm so happy...
0:52:45 > 0:52:47I've never needed anything more, Mum.
0:52:53 > 0:52:55Turn round and have a look at your garden,
0:52:55 > 0:52:58and this a place you wouldn't send the children before.
0:52:58 > 0:53:00SASHA GASPS AND LAUGHS
0:53:00 > 0:53:01Oh, my God.
0:53:07 > 0:53:09- Oh, no.- I don't know what to say.
0:53:11 > 0:53:13How has this happened?
0:53:13 > 0:53:16Look how huge this place is.
0:53:18 > 0:53:20- I was not ready for this. - HE LAUGHS
0:53:23 > 0:53:25Look, there's even a bench on...
0:53:27 > 0:53:31I can't even imagine how this has been possible!
0:53:31 > 0:53:34This gorgeous, beautiful home.
0:53:34 > 0:53:36This is a work of art.
0:53:36 > 0:53:39This is just genius!
0:53:39 > 0:53:41- I can't believe it. - Look how huge it is.
0:53:41 > 0:53:44As a house, you were talking about the fact that you couldn't
0:53:44 > 0:53:45actually spend time at home.
0:53:45 > 0:53:48- Yeah.- Now, not only can you spend time at home with the family,
0:53:48 > 0:53:50cos if you look down there, that is a family space,
0:53:50 > 0:53:52there's a family table waiting there, a family sitting room,
0:53:52 > 0:53:56and a family kitchen that comes out into a family patio,
0:53:56 > 0:53:57but there's enough space there,
0:53:57 > 0:54:00that actually makes it an entertaining place where you can have
0:54:00 > 0:54:03- all of your friends round from... - Yeah.
0:54:03 > 0:54:06- Dialysis.- From dialysis... SASHA LAUGHS
0:54:06 > 0:54:08I just, I can't believe it.
0:54:08 > 0:54:10There are literally no words.
0:54:10 > 0:54:11It's just a dream come true.
0:54:16 > 0:54:18APPLAUSE
0:54:41 > 0:54:44Did you have something you wanted to say to everybody?
0:54:44 > 0:54:46- Yeah.- Shout it out loud, then.
0:54:46 > 0:54:49Thank you for giving our mummy back!
0:54:49 > 0:54:50APPLAUSE
0:54:56 > 0:54:57What an amazing community.
0:54:59 > 0:55:01So proud to be part of it.
0:55:01 > 0:55:03Thank you, all - from the bottom of my heart.
0:55:03 > 0:55:08You've... Literally, you've given us our hero back.
0:55:10 > 0:55:12I can say that every single one of you,
0:55:12 > 0:55:16you will all be in our prayers, every single night.
0:55:20 > 0:55:21APPLAUSE
0:55:24 > 0:55:26Thank you just doesn't seem enough.
0:55:26 > 0:55:29Honestly... A few months ago,
0:55:31 > 0:55:35I was just at the end of my tether. I'd nearly given up. I, erm...
0:55:35 > 0:55:39I was just tired of struggling so much.
0:55:39 > 0:55:42And, erm... I just had a massive burden.
0:55:42 > 0:55:46I missed my friends, my family. I just missed life.
0:55:47 > 0:55:50And I was tired of fighting.
0:55:50 > 0:55:51And, erm...
0:55:51 > 0:55:53What you've done here,
0:55:53 > 0:55:56you've totally given me my life back again.
0:55:56 > 0:56:01And I can just enjoy little things, like dinner with my husband
0:56:01 > 0:56:05and putting my kids to bed, and telling them a story.
0:56:07 > 0:56:09When you lose the little things in life,
0:56:09 > 0:56:12you realise that they're actually the things that mean the most.
0:56:13 > 0:56:16I can't wait to start living my life properly,
0:56:16 > 0:56:18and being a proper mum again.
0:56:18 > 0:56:19I promise you that...
0:56:19 > 0:56:24I'll keep fighting this and I'll never, ever give up again.
0:56:26 > 0:56:27APPLAUSE
0:56:38 > 0:56:41The great thing about this was that this was a return, for Billy,
0:56:41 > 0:56:44to his hometown. And he was very nervous about coming here,
0:56:44 > 0:56:45cos he wasn't sure how it would go.
0:56:45 > 0:56:48So, at the end of the ten days, mate,
0:56:48 > 0:56:50what do you think of the people that turned out?
0:56:50 > 0:56:54Well, I'm amazed. It's absolutely brilliant.
0:56:54 > 0:56:58You've put a family back together, and everyone here came to work
0:56:58 > 0:57:00with a purpose and with a smile on their face,
0:57:00 > 0:57:04and all of you have put so much work and know-how into that lovely house,
0:57:04 > 0:57:06for this lovely, lovely family.
0:57:06 > 0:57:09- I'm welling up. Cheers... - APPLAUSE
0:57:18 > 0:57:22On DIY SOS, we often do builds that change people's lives.
0:57:22 > 0:57:25But it wouldn't be overstating the case on this occasion
0:57:25 > 0:57:28to say that these people, this time, have actually saved a life.
0:57:28 > 0:57:30And they've given children their mum back.
0:57:30 > 0:57:33And it doesn't get any better than that, does it?
0:57:33 > 0:57:36Maybe you know somebody in your community that needs your help.
0:57:40 > 0:57:42Are you all right, my dear?