Business charity Ben is looking for pressing help from throughout the sector to assist deliver a younger boy residence after greater than two and a half years in hospital.
Dan Flemen, as soon as an energetic and sociable teenager, was identified with a mind tumour in November 2022. Following emergency surgical procedure, he suffered a devastating stroke that left him with life-altering disabilities.
Dan is now non-verbal, unable to sit down unaided, and requires 24-hour care and night-time air flow.
Since his prognosis, Dan has remained in Royal Manchester Kids’s Hospital, whereas his mom, Julie, lives in hospital lodging to remain near him.
His father, Nigel, who works for APL Car Providers, travels over 50 miles from their residence in Freckleton, Lancashire, together with Dan’s two sisters, to be with them every time attainable.
To deliver Dan again residence, the household’s home requires in depth renovations to make it appropriate for his complicated wants. The present property will not be wheelchair-friendly and lacks the services required to help Dan’s care.
The BBC’s DIY SOS group will likely be filming a particular episode in Freckleton between 16-23 July to assist rework the household residence.
Nonetheless, contributions from the broader group – together with donations, supplies and expert tradespeople – are nonetheless urgently wanted to make this attainable.
The plan consists of creating a personal, accessible bed room for Dan, an tailored toilet, services to help his full-time care, and a welcoming house the place he can reconnect with household and buddies. DIY SOS is interesting for electricians, plumbers, decorators, joiners, and common volunteers, in addition to suppliers keen to contribute supplies to help the construct.
Along with bodily assist, monetary help can also be very important. A GoFundMe marketing campaign has been launched to assist cowl the extra prices of the construct. Each donation, regardless of how small, brings Dan nearer to returning to the house the place he could be surrounded by the love, care and normality that solely household life can provide.
Nigel Flemen spoke of the emotional toll on the household, saying, “Dan wants to come back residence, the place he belongs, with all of his household. We really feel this could help his restoration, psychological well being and high quality of life. We’re reaching out for assist as a result of we consider within the energy of group. Along with your help, we will rework our residence into a spot the place Dan could be surrounded by the love and care he wants and deserves.”
Ben’s CEO, Zara Ross, added: “When any member of our automotive household is struggling or in disaster, all of us rally to help them. That is greater than a house renovation – it’s about giving a toddler the possibility to return to the heat and therapeutic of his household. We all know the center of this trade, and we’re assured that collectively, we will make an enduring distinction.”
To volunteer or provide help, contact DIYSOSPreston@southshore.uk. To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/f/DanFlemen.
