Family Humble as Volunteers Rally to Repair Roof and Aid Ben

The parents of a child battling a severe ailment expressed their gratitude to the volunteers who undertook essential maintenance work on their residence during this challenging time.

In 2022, Richard and Alison’s child Ben was identified as having an advanced case of leukemia at only five years old.

Richard, who was attempting to refurbish his family’s “permanent residence” in Selby, North Yorkshire, felt overwhelmed by the challenge of repairing the house’s leaking roof, which presented a significant health hazard to Ben.

However, thanks to the charitable organization Band of Builders, 12 roofing professionals from various parts of the nation came together and finished the project without charge in merely three days.

The organization provides assistance and backing to tradespersons throughout the UK, encompassing home modifications and construction projects.

Richard, the landscape gardener, mentioned that attempting to repair the roof on his own became an “insurmountable struggle” while he was juggling the care of Ben, who was receiving daily chemotherapy treatments in Sheffield, along with his professional responsibilities. He described this situation as being “demoralizing.”

Physicians alerted the family that the moisture and mold in the home could pose risks for Ben, who after three years since his diagnosis, has achieved remission.

Talking to Look North, Richard mentioned: “During the initial phase after Ben’s diagnosis, we were focused on survival and drew upon our inner strength to push forward. We found inspiration in Ben and his remarkable resilience as he endured treatment at such a young age of five.”

It wasn’t until circumstances began to stabilize and Ben started improving that the house took center stage, becoming the major challenge we had to confront.

In 2021, the family purchased their new home, and Richard was initially enthusiastic about tackling various repair and improvement tasks.

However, as the strain on him increased, Sheffield Children’s Hospital directed the family toward Band of Builders, which Richard referred to as “incredible.”

He mentioned, ‘Before we realized, they arrived accompanied by a large group of volunteers who dedicated their time and brought supplies to this place for total strangers, just to install a brand-new roof.’

It’s quite humbling. I never imagined such experiences would happen to ordinary folks like me. You typically only see these kinds of things on television. Their generosity and kindness have left me utterly overwhelmed.

Feeling much healthier now, Ben expressed excitement about spending additional time with his father.

Ben expressed his enthusiasm for playing games with him and enjoying his company, adding that now he won’t be knocking things around indoors anymore.

Now he can simply kick back on the couch and unwind.

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Related internet links

• Band of Builders