Renovation project at home of disabled boy completed following father's demise, courtesy of charitable organization.
In a heartwarming display of community spirit and industry camaraderie, a remarkable renovation project has been completed in Norfolk, transforming the home of the Fletcher family. The project was initiated to provide a fully accessible living space for 16-year-old Toby Fletcher, who lives with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, dystonia, deafness, and requires 24/7 palliative care.
Toby's father, Shaun Fletcher, a dedicated electrician, tragically took his own life in December 2023, leaving the renovation project unfinished. Shaun's untimely death brought about a wave of sympathy and a desire to honour his legacy. His widow, Sarah Fletcher, sought help from the national charity Band of Builders (BoB), a construction industry charity known for supporting families in need.
More than 150 tradespeople from across the UK volunteered for the project, with up to 40 working on site daily. The team included electricians, plumbers, bathroom fitters, landscapers, and smart home specialists. In just 12 days, they completed the ambitious project, transforming not only Toby’s room and accessible bathroom but also renovating other bedrooms and bathrooms for Toby’s siblings and landscaping both front and back gardens.
The completed project has allowed Toby to receive overnight support, improving his care. Born 13 weeks premature, Toby has faced numerous challenges, including muscle control issues due to dystonia, causing painful involuntary movements. He is housebound and relies on stretcher transport for all appointments.
The renovated house serves as a poignant legacy for Shaun, providing a home where the family can start to heal. Gavin Crane, chief executive of Band of Builders, stated this was their most ambitious project to date. "The level of support and dedication shown by our volunteers, businesses, suppliers of materials, and the local community has been truly remarkable," he said.
Tim Winstanley, senior brand manager at Dewalt, sponsored the project and was deeply moved by the volunteers' compassion and dedication. "It's been a privilege to be part of such a life-changing project," he said. "The volunteers' commitment to improving Toby's life and honouring Shaun's memory is truly inspiring."
Sarah Fletcher described the result as "incredible" and expressed gratitude for the volunteers, calling them "superheroes." The project has not only provided Toby with the care he needs but also serves as a testament to the power of community and the trade's commitment to mental health and community support within the industry.
- The complete family-health focused renovation project, filled with modern science, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise amenities, was enabled by a nationwide group of volunteers for Toby Fletcher and his siblings.
- The successful project, including accessible designs and therapies-and-treatments tailored for Toby's mental health and mobility concerns, has proven to be a remarkable demonstration of support for the Fletcher family's overall well-being.
- The transformation of the living space not only improved the physical environment but also delivered a powerful message about industry camaraderie, inspiration, and the importance of parenting and family-health in the face of adversity.
