Nick Knowles, his normal crew, and his army of volunteers were heavily delayed on DIY SOS after their charity build in Stoke was bettered by storms. At times it looked like the project might not be possible at all.
DIY SOS: The Big Build was in Stoke, helping to build a space for the community that would help with issues including food poverty and isolation. Sue, a prominent member of the local community, set up the charity Sylvester to bring the community back together again.
Their aim was to transform a patch of wasteland into a community centre and garden, with room to grow vegetables and a space where old and young can share knowledge and experiences. DIY SOS stepped in to help but hit some big hurdles on the way.
The team saw all four seasons during their build from sunny weather to snow, to rain to strong winds that halted and delayed the build. Storm Eunice and Storm Dudley also hit the building site but determined not to give up the volunteers still turned up every day.
After days of building and endless cheer and banter the build was complete, although finished five days over schedule. Nick spoke about the volunteers, he said: "They know they can make a difference...this is what DIY SOS is all about, it's about people...we will be forever indebted to them...to every one of them we say thank you!"
A state-of-the-art kitchen was built to help with food poverty, an impressive tool shed made to give men somewhere to go and break their isolation, and a garden where the community could grow their own produce were all part of the build. Upon seeing the build for the first time Sue became very emotional.
Overcome with emotion Sue said: "Oh wow!" and Nick said: "Well I have never seen you speechless and I don't suppose many of your friends have either!"
Still emotional Sue added: "Absolutely amazing, thank you so much. It's really pretty, even the trees look happy. Everything looks happy!"
DIY SOS: The Big Build will air on Tuesday, May, 7 on BBC One at 8pm.
