BBC's DIY SOS appeals for help ahead of filming episode next month that will change Northumberland family's lives

An episode of DIY SOS: The Big Build is being filmed in Northumberland – but help is needed.
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The BBC has issued an appeal for tradespeople, suppliers and volunteers to come and help with the project in Longframlington in March.

Those taking part will be transforming the Owen family’s home and quality of life.

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Bobbie, 16, is 5ft 10in but has the mental age of a three-year-old with complex medical and mental health issues.

Nick Knowles, centre, and other members of the DIY SOS: The Big Build team.Nick Knowles, centre, and other members of the DIY SOS: The Big Build team.
Nick Knowles, centre, and other members of the DIY SOS: The Big Build team.

Her mother, Mary, sadly had a stroke in her cerebellum in 2013, after being bitten by a tick and now has balance and ongoing difficulties so cannot handle Bobbie on her own.

Inspiringly, Bobbie’s older sister Ellie, 18, and twin brother, Gus, 16, step in and help as best they can, as young carers to both sister and mother.

The concern is that the house is unsafe and unsuitable for Bobbie and the threat of going into care is a reality.

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Thankfully, grandmother Carol, 90, also helps when Gareth is on night shift but only has the sofa to sleep on. Mary would love her to move into the home but still allowing her independence.

The Owen family, from Longframlington.The Owen family, from Longframlington.
The Owen family, from Longframlington.

The house has fallen into a real state of disrepair, so this volunteer led build is to bring a family of three generations together, support Gus and Ellie as admired teenage carers and ensure that Bobbie remains at home, so firefighter, father, Gareth can provide for his family.

DIY SOS: The Big Build is the BBC’s flagship home renovation programme; it has been running for 20 years, and attracts up to 5 million viewers per episode on BBC One.

The award winning show, presented by Nick Knowles and his team of Mark, Billy, Chris and Jules, takes on extremely Big Builds in limited time and rely on the generosity of the local community of tradespeople and suppliers to help transform the lives, of truly deserving families.

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Trades day is Tuesday, March 3, (all must attend) with the build from March 17-25 ahead of the big reveal on Thursday, March 26.

Anyone interested in taking part should email: [email protected] as soon as possible with trade, availability and contact details.