A Burnley tradeswoman has thanked the construction charity Band of Builders (BoB) for stepping in to complete a house renovation, meaning she can finally move her mum (who has Alzheimer’s) into her home.
Vicky Maddox was midway through building an extension to her own family home when she had to give up work to become a full-time carer and move in with her mum, Keren, who was diagnosed with the Alzheimer's form of dementia three years ago. It left her house like a building site. The move had split up the family, with Vicky's 19-year-old son living in the house alone, and she was desperate for the work to be completed so that her mum could live in a safe environment.
The pressure of not being able to finish the work herself took its toll on Vicky's mental health, and she felt she couldn't cope anymore.
It was a fellow tradesperson who put her in touch with Band of Builders (BoB), which delivers rapid, high-impact home adaptation and renovation projects, mobilising the construction industry to support its own. BoB put out a call to its UK-wide network of volunteers, and 15 volunteers completed the work in 13 days.
Speaking at the handover of the project, Vicky said: "All the volunteers are amazing – I've never known anything like it.
"My family can be together at last - and now that the work has been completed it means I can spend more time with my mum – who can still live independently, but in safety under the same roof as the rest of my family.
"If I was ever asked what I have learnt from this whole experience, I would simply say to ask for help. True friends are there for you, trust them and ask for help sooner. If I had done that, then a lot of things would've been different in my life. But now I look forward, forever grateful for the help and continuing support from these true, real and amazing friends. We are a family who I dearly value and love."
Vicky's mum, Keren, was diagnosed with the Alzheimer's form of dementia in November 2022 at the age of 65, although Vicky had started to suspect something was wrong a few years before, when her mum became more forgetful.
The diagnosis meant that Keren had to give up her role within the civil service. Keren has always been a very healthy and independent person, seldom needing to see a doctor. However, 12 months ago, it became clear that Keren could not live safely on her own any longer.
This is the 51st project completed by the charity. The project, which was sponsored by CT1, included turning empty shells of rooms into a new fully fitted kitchen and dining room, and separate ground-floor bedroom, bathroom and cooking area.
Nicola Walsh, Sales and Marketing Director at CT1, said: "We are honoured to be part of such a life-changing project and humbled by the tenacity shown by Keren and her family. We have been long-standing sponsors, partners, and friends of Band of Builders, and the work they do continues to amaze us. We are blessed to have been able to help and hope this family can now enjoy better living conditions, while Keren remains stable, safe, and supported."
BoB has been full of praise for the way that volunteer Terry Bungay led the project.
Speaking at the handover, Bungay said: "The completion of this project is another powerful reminder of what happens when the construction community comes together with compassion, skill and heart. Thank you to our incredible volunteers, supporters and industry partners who have all helped create a safe home for Vicky, reuniting her family under one roof."
BoB also wishes to thank its supporters and sponsors who provided materials, as well as local businesses that delivered food and refreshments. This includes: Jewson, City Plumbing, Reconomy, Timco, SIG Roofing, Umbrella Bathrooms, Multipanel, Paintwell Burnley, Merritt and Fryers, Infinita Flooring and Hiatt Hardware.
