BBC DIY SOS

BBC DIY SOS

Heppelthwaite The Red Van Plumbers supported the BBC DIY SOS team and local contractors to undertake one of the biggest projects.

The award winning BBC show presented by Nick Knowles and his team Billy, Mark, Chris and Jules, take on extremely ambitious builds to improve the homes of families in need across the UK. It’s all completed in just 9 days, thanks to the fantastic support from volunteer trades and companies.

The BBC sent out the appeal below for local tradespeople and suppliers to offer their products, services and time to help on their biggest build project.

The appeal from the BBC

On 22nd March 2017, 35 year old Kris Aves attended a London Police Commendation Ceremony and was awarded for his exceptional work as a Police Liaison Officer in the Metropolitan Police. What should have been a happy day shortly turned to horror as Kris became a victim of the terrorist attack on Westminster Bridge.

The horrific attack left 5 people dead, including Police Officer Keith Palmer and another dozen with very serious injuries including PC Kris. Kris was returning from the ceremony when he was suddenly mowed down by the terrorist in a speeding car. Kris took the brunt of the collision. It left him with two broken legs, numerous head injuries, a lacerated elbow, a damaged left shoulder, sternum, and tragically a damaged spinal cord which has left him wheel chair bound.

Kris now resides in Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, undergoing daily routines to assist with his rehabilitation. His partner Marissa cares for son (6) and daughter (4) in their home in East Barnet which is now inaccessible to Kris and unsuitable for his rehabilitation. The home needed considerable adaption throughout, and a through floor lift before Kris can return to his loving family.

The above was the press release from the BBC DIY SOS team.

Our support

Moved by this tragic life experience and wanting to do something to help, Heppelthwaite The Red Van Plumbers responded and with no hesitation put together an expert team which consisted of a project manager, technical consultants and 3 plumbing and heating operatives.

Working alongside the DIY SOS team and over 100 trade professionals, Heppelthwaite provided plumbing and heating services to help with the complete renovation of Kris’s home. The team were involved in the design process, coordination of operatives and the installation stages throughout the hectic 9 days.

Gary Evans, Managing Director for Heppelthwaite, said: “This is a fantastic example of how the local community can come together to do something very special. We are delighted to have been a huge part of the project and hope that we’ve provided some comfort to Kris and his family”.

BBC DIY SOS team said “THANK YOU for your wonderful contribution to the Big Build for Kris Aves and his family! Isn’t it amazing what a difference can be made when you get a gang of determined people together with the backing of brilliant and generous suppliers. It truly was an amazing feat, thank you again.”