MUM WITH ALZHEIMER’S CAN NOW MOVE IN WITH DAUGHTER

A tradeswoman from Burnley has thanked Band of Builders 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 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 our charity and 15 volunteers completed the work in 13 days.

VICKY’S WORDS TO THANKS

“I had my very low times where I didn’t know where to go, what to do, if there was even a future for me. Having spoken to an amazing friend and confidant, I found the strength to pick myself up, not just for me but for my family. Those low times couldn’t get lower, but now I feel I am on a high, where I now couldn’t get any higher. I owe these feelings and emotions to all to the amazing people who have dedicated their time, volunteering for days on end, to enable me to have a life I can now enjoy with my mum and family. It also allows my mum live more independently for longer.

Alzheimer’s is such a cruel condition, one we know will never get any better, only manage. But even then, we are aware this will still deteriorate, which with mum it has significantly over the last few months.

Band of Builders, my friends for life, have given me the chance to make and enjoy more memories for longer. My mum appreciates everything that has been done, has at times been in bits emotionally, although heartbreakingly she seldom remembers much about it. Nevertheless, in those moments she recognises the work and efforts that’s been put into this, she is so grateful and herself cannot express that in words, just tears!

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my children, who again, with their help and patient during my tough times (I acknowledge I’ve not always been the easiest person to be around!), have been an integral part of the whole journey. We are a very small family unit, and we all have our personal struggles navigating our lives, but we work together and get where we need to be with each other’s help. Thank you to Gem, Josh and Kai.

“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”.

ABOUT KEREN

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.

BOB COMPLETES 51^ST PROJECT

This is the 51^st project we have completed – and  it’s on the 10^th anniversary of our first one for Keith in May 2016.

The project – which was sponsored by CT1, the UK’s No.1 sealant and adhesive – saw work carried out including turning empty shells of rooms into a new filly 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.

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS & SPONSORS

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
• Hiatt Hardware.

SUPPORTING CONSTRUCTION WORKERS ACROSS THE UK

Over the last decade, Band of Builders’ practical support has helped construction workers and their families through some of the most difficult periods of their lives.

Alongside practical projects, BoB also provides financial support and wellbeing support to people working across the construction industry.

If you would like to support future projects, you can donate to Band of Builders or find out how to get involved.