Burnley volunteer from BBC's DIY SOS set for help from fellow builders to complete 'safe' home renovation for mum with Alzheimer’s

Vicky Maddox was midway through an extension to her own family home when she had to give up work to become a full-time carer and move in with her mum, Keren, who was diagnosed with the Alzheimer’s form of dementia three years ago.

The move has split up the family, with Vicky’s 19-year-old son living in the house alone, and she is desperate for the work to be completed so that her mum can live in a safe environment.

Now volunteers from national construction charity Band of Builders (BoB) – some of whom have also helped out on the TV show – are set to help Vicky in her hour of need by completing the home renovation, which starts on 2nd May - and should be completed within two weeks.

Vicky admitted that all of the pressures of having a family separated between homes, the house being unliveable and caring for her mum have meant that Vicky has suffered with her mental health; she admits that she got to a point where she felt she couldn’t cope anymore – which is why she can’t wait for the work to be completed and also see some old friends from her DIY SOS days again.

Vicky said: “I'm extremely grateful for the work Band of Builders will undertake to ensure my home is safe to encourage independent living for my mum and enabling the family to live together once again.

“Having been a volunteer on a number of projects, I know just how it feels to be part of a team that can make a life-changing difference to people in crisis or hardship – which makes me all the more grateful that Band of Builders is coming to my family’s rescue.”

Vicky’s mum, Keren, was diagnosed with the Alzheimer’s form of dementia in November 2022 at the age of 65, although Vicky had started to suspect something was wrong a few years before, when her mum became more forgetful.

The diagnosis meant that Keren had to give up her role within the civil service. Keren has always been a very healthy and independent person, seldom needing to see a doctor. However, 12 months ago, it became clear that Keren could not live safely on her own any longer.

The charity supports tradespeople, construction workers and their families through crisis by providing practical help, emotional support and financial assistance when illness, injury or life-changing circumstances make everyday living unsafe or unmanageable.

Vicky’s house is essentially a building site. The extension – which would ideally be a bedroom with an ensuite for Keren – has exposed joists, wires hanging from the ceiling, bare blockwork walls and unfinished plumbing and electrics. Outside, the ground levels are uneven with loose stone, open drains and general debris, making the whole area unsafe.

The kitchen has no worktops and the appliances are unusable. The family are having to make do with cooking in the utility area, which itself has exposed brickwork, loose wiring and no proper fittings – plus it is being used as a dumping ground. The front room has an unfinished ceiling and is stacked full of items, with barely any space to move – it can’t be used as a living space at all.

Nearly 20 volunteers have already signed up to help on the project, and BoB’s Operations Director, Tony Steel, is humbled by the response to Vicky’s plight.

“Vicky is a well-known and liked member of the construction community of volunteers, and we as a charity are delighted to help someone who has previously dedicated herself to helping others,” he said.

“Although we have volunteers signed up, we would still like to appeal for local tradespeople from Burnley and the surrounding areas to come and help. They can sign up at https://www.bandofbuilders.org/projects/kerens-project/.

“We would also like to appeal for help from any local businesses that may be able to provide food or refreshments for our volunteers. Anything will be gratefully received.”