BOB COMPLETES 50TH PROJECT ON 10TH ANNIVERSARY

At Band of Builders, we are celebrating after completing our 50th project on our 10th anniversary after renovating the home of an amputee Ipswich builder who was unable to finish the extension he started two years ago because he underwent treatment for cancer of the spine.

Our volunteers worked tirelessly to turn a building site back into a family home for Jay (James) House and his family of four children in 14 days. Jay had built the exterior shell of the two-storey extension himself, but the work came to a halt in August 2024 when he was diagnosed with cancer of the spine. The house had been left a building site, and the ground-floor work meant the family had been left without a functioning kitchen. For the last 18 months, they have managed with a makeshift kitchen unit on wheels with an air fryer, portable hob, washing machine and dishwasher – but no sink. Read more about Jay’s story here or on BBC Suffolk.

In partnership with Howdens, the renovation included installing a new kitchen after the old one was ripped out. Howdens supplied a new Frome kitchen in Ash Green, complete with Lamona appliances, worktops and storage solutions. For the rest of the home, Howdens supplied Oak and Grey rigid vinyl flooring, doors, skirting and architraves.

There were emotional scenes when Jay and two of his four children returned to see their completed home for the first time.

He said: “It’s amazing that they’ve done so much in such a short space of time. If I had still been able to do it, it would have taken me months and months, tackling one room at a time.

“We can’t thank Band of Builders enough because it’s lifted a dark cloud that has been hanging over our family – and now we have a family home that will be a joy to come downstairs to every morning.”

BoB completes 50^th project on our 10^th anniversary

Speaking about reaching the landmark number of projects ten years virtually to the day of our very first one, our CEO, Gavin Crane, paid tribute to every person who has supported BoB from the first project to the 50^th.

“As Band of Builders completes its 50^th project for Jay and his family, we stand not just in front of another finished home but behind fifty stories of hope rebuilt, dignity restored and lives changed for the better. Every nail driven, every wall raised and every hour given represents the unstoppable spirit of our industry coming together when it matters most. This milestone isn’t about numbers – it’s about people, compassion and community. We are proof that when tradespeople unite, we don’t just build houses: we rebuild lives.”

Gavin also highlighted the partnerships that the charity has formed to allow it to mobilise materials, funding, expertise and volunteers to deliver life-changing impact on the ground. He pointed out that this project was delivered in partnership with Howdens, the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier, which donated a kitchen that was installed by award-winning kitchen fitter Tom Easter.

Director of Design at Howdens Adrian Heaton said: “Jay is an inspiration, building his business while facing injury and lots of challenges. It was an honour to partner with Band of Builders again, along with our Hadleigh Road depot in Norwich, to donate the Howdens kitchen to Jay and his family and to help make a difference.”

We also wish to thank our supporters and sponsors who provided materials – as well as local businesses that delivered food and refreshments. These include: Reconomy, Edmundson Electrical, Wolseley Plumb Centre, Jewson (materials and tool hire), CT1, Travis Perkins, Timco, SIG Roofing, City Plumbing and Brewers