Keren’s Project

WHY WE HELPED

Vicky is a skilled tradesperson and started working on renovating her family home in Burnley around 5–6 years ago, including building a ground-floor extension and ripping out the kitchen.

Three years ago, her mum Keren was diagnosed with the Alzheimer’s form of dementia. Keren had always been very healthy and independent, but two years ago, Vicky had to give up her job to be a full-time carer. And, 12 months ago, she moved in with her mum, meaning her family was split up as her 18-year-old son is living in the house alone.

Vicky wanted her mom to move into her home, but as it was in an unfinished state, it meant it is unsafe for her to live there. There were exposed joists, wires hanging from the ceiling, bare blockwork walls and unfinished plumbing and electrics. The kitchen had no worktops and the appliances were unusable. The family were having to make do with cooking in the living room, plus it is being used as a dumping ground being stacked full of items, with barely any space to move.

All of the pressures of having a family separated between homes, the house being unliveable and caring for her mum have meant that Vicky had suffered with her mental health; she admits that she got to a point where she felt she couldn’t cope anymore.

THE BACKGROUND

Vicky’s mum, Keren, was diagnosed with the Alzheimer’s form of dementia in November 2022 at the age of 64, 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.

THE PROJECT

A couple of Vicky’s close friends who she had met whilst volunteering on DIY SOS projects suggested that Band of Builders could help her family. These friends were the ones who approached Band of Builders and Vicky submitted the application for practical support.

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 fully fitted kitchen and dining room and separate ground-floor bedroom, bathroom and cooking area.