DIY SOS team complete transformation of West Bromwich family home - WATCH
There was not a dry eye as crowds gathered for the moment a Black Country family saw their new-look home transformed by the DIY SOS team and an army of volunteers.
Builders, brickies, electricians, plumbers, painters and decorators were among the 300 workmen who have worked their magic on the modest West Bromwich two-bed home after hearing of the tragic story of the sudden death of young mother, Crystal Chambers.
Crystal tragically died in October 2015 at the age of 32 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer just weeks before, leaving behind two young children Deago, nine and Ameira, three. Without home insurance, or owning a home, her children were left in the care of Crystal’s grieving mother, Sandra, to be looked after.
WATCH: DIY SOS team join family to celebrate
They then moved in with Sandra and her 19-year-old son, Ziggy, in the cramped house in Livingstone Road.
But since the arrival of the DIY SOS team a two-storey extension has been built –to give an extra upstairs bedroom and more space in Sandra’s bedroom – along with dining space for the family downstairs.
Our cameras were kept out by the TV production crew so as not to ruin the surprise for viewers when the programme is aired later this year.
The family were over the moon to see the results of the last nine days' work yesterday.
The project had been set back earlier this week when around £4,000 of tools were stolen from the back of one of the worker’s vans. But that didn’t stop dozens of neighbours and well wishers coming out to show their support for the unveiling.
The back garden has also been transformed with AstroTurf for the children to play on and the front drive has been landscaped and paved.
Sandra, who has worked in the care industry for majority of her life, said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed. I was overjoyed as I am in not in position to be able to be able to carry out any work myself.
"I can’t express my thanks and gratitude to the members of the team and all the community for what they have done for us. Inside there is lots more space now.
"We’ve had a downstairs toilet put in too and a bigger living area with a little dining room for us all to be able and sit and have a meal together.”
Speaking of her favourite part of the house, Sandra said it had to be the kitchen. She continued: “I love the kitchen – it is perfect for our needs and I can’t wait to get cooking in there.
"I would like to say thank you so much to all the generous and caring people who have helped but this together.
“If Crystal could see this now she would love it.”
The project was fronted by presenter and handyman Nick Knowles, who said: “This is basically a family who have spent their whole lives helping others.
"It may only be a house but we hope that this will give them the space to be able to move forward with their lives. We could not have done a build for a more deserving family.”
Mark Millar, build manager of the project, added: “The support has been incredible.”
