Volunteers from the construction charity Band of Builders are set to lay a driveway so that the family of a Burgess Hill man left with hypoxic brain damage brought on by a heart attack can get him out of the house in his wheelchair.
The driveway of the home of Gordon Hart – who is known by all as Pete – has become rutted and potholed. This means it’s a struggle for his partner of 32 years, Sam Horley, to get him out of the house, as his wheelchair often becomes stuck – meaning he’s often late or misses vital rehabilitation sessions.
The 55-year-old former bricklayer has been left with a profound physical disability after a heart attack in April 2020 and needs round-the-clock care because he cannot use his arms, hands and legs.
Horley had an “almighty battle” to be able to get Pete home because he has complex needs. She has secured funding from the local authority to build an extension and remodel the downstairs of their home to create a bedroom and bathroom for him, however the funding doesn’t include a new driveway. Band of Builders is stepping in to create a bigger, wheelchair-friendly one with parking spaces for Pete’s carers.
The eight-day project is due to start on 3rd November and is being organised by the registered charity, which completes practical projects to help members of the UK construction industry who are battling illness or injury.
Norfolk-based builder Tony Everett will act as the project lead and said he’s hoping more than 20 volunteers will get involved.
Pete’s project is being sponsored by Dewalt, a manufacturer of premium power tools, accessories, landscaping products, and anchors and fixings. The project is also reportedly attracting support from local businesses, which are donating materials for the project and refreshments for the volunteers.
The charity is backed by other major names within the construction industry, including Jewson, Gibbs & Dandy, V12 Footwear, Talasey, Resideo and Haemmerlin.
www.facebook.com/bandofbuilders
Please click to view more articles about
News
