Band of Builders has helped transform the life of Mike Shrimpton, a retired builder and his family, who live in Bishop Stortford, Hertfordshire.

This is the 48th project carried out by the charity – which, as well as completing practical projects for members of the construction industry, offers wellbeing support, including a text service (text BOB to 85258) and financial help.

The work involved knocking through some of ground-floor rooms in Shrimpton's home to create a larger open-plan space before adding insulation and fitting out. This was helped by a donation of products from Okarno, including plasterboard, Fireline board, Gyproc FibaTape Xtreme joint tape, and Thistle gypsum-based plasters.

Additional works involved the installation of structural steelwork, completing the first and second fixes on the plumbing and electrics, and installing a new boiler and heating system. A new top-of-the-range kitchen was donated and installed by award-winning kitchen fitter Tom Easter. Externally, the failing flat roof and skylight were replaced, and new patio doors and remedial work were needed at the rear of the house.

Shrimpton was overcome with emotion at his first glimpse of the renovations completed by volunteer tradespeople, who answered a call for help, after the work he was carrying out himself was halted by a diagnosis of stage four prostate cancer.

In October 2024, he was also diagnosed with a serious heart condition, for which he needed a procedure to insert a stent (he requires two more). As a result of the work stopping, he and his wife Christine had been living in a caravan for the past couple of years.

In addition, following a series of medical episodes, it was recognised that Mike’s wife had dementia. Her medical team said that if she couldn’t move back into a safe home environment very soon, she would have to move into residential care.

Speaking to the volunteers about the renovation, Shrimpton said: “The hardest thing for me was to admit that I couldn’t do it, and I can’t believe that the people came here to solve someone else’s problem….well, I just can’t find the words to say thank you.”

Joint-Project Leads Kent Taylor and Tracey Healy both took three weeks away from their own businesses to oversee the delivery and completion of this project. Kent said: “Every project we do, we rise to the challenge and complete projects because of our amazing volunteers, who give their heart and soul to complete projects that are life-changing for the beneficiaries. Mike and Christine no longer have to live in a caravan as they now have a space that they can enjoy and call home.”

Stacey Booth, Head of Marketing & Portfolio at Okarno, said: "When we learned about Mike and Christine’s situation, we were eager to get involved. This project has been incredibly rewarding, and we are proud to be part of something that has truly made a difference for their family, improving their lives for the future. It demonstrates what can be achieved when we all come together to lend a helping hand to those in need."