Classic Builders in proud to finally reveal it has been helping the team from BBC1’s DIYSOS show to transform the home of a Cornish family.
Pictured left to right, Classic Builders Business Development Manager Lewis Tolputt and BBC1 DYSOS team members Nick Knowles, Gabrielle Blackman, Billy Byrne and Mark Millar.
Based in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, Lynn and Stephen Smedley have fostered more than 100 children (including premature babies and teenage parents). However, just before they were going to begin enjoying retirement tragedy struck.
In 2017 their 32-year-old daughter died unexpectedly leaving three young sons to care for. If life wasn’t difficult enough, Stephen was made redundant shortly after his daughter’s death and then told he was in risk of having a heart attack. As a result, Stephen, Lynn and their three grandchildren have had to live in a small two-bedroom coastal bungalow dealing with the unexpected changes in their lives. The story soon caught the attention of BBC1’s DIYSOS production team. Following a period of research and consultation the project was confirmed to go ahead.
Over the space of 11 days the DIYSOS team and an army of professionals coordinated a programme of major works to the Smedley’s two-bedroom bungalow. The property became a four-bedroom home with two new extensions and a completely refurbished interior. Classic Builders’ Business Development Manager Lewis Tolputt explains how the company became involved –
“We were made aware of DIYSOS’ social media appeal and after learning about Stephen and Lynn’s daughter we wanted to help as much as possible. We looked at ways we could contribute both on and off site. We contacted a number of our partners who were able to help with specialist items, we assisted the production team with logistics and I even ended up rolling up my sleeves and working on site.”
Classic Builders worked alongside more than 300 volunteers to transform the family’s bungalow into a spacious and modern home – giving the family space, peace and security.
The show’s host Nick Knowles had this to say about the incredible project –
“DIY SOS often gets credited for changing people’s lives for the better – for giving them back some hope and for restoring some positivity in their lives but in actual fact it’s you. It’s your community of professionals, it’s the volunteers, the builders, the tradespeople – all of you who give up time and resources to make a difference. Thank you for all that you have done and, most importantly, for helping Stephen, Lynn and their three grandchildren have some happiness again.”
All of the team at Classic Builders would like to thank the production team at DIYSOS for the opportunity to help with this incredible project and wish Stephen, Lynn and all of their family many happy years together in their new home.
