Builders from across the country are uniting to help a carpenter and father of three who’s been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
Dan McIntosh, who’s 30, found out he had the tumour earlier this year – at the same time his wife discovered she was pregnant with their third child. He was given between 18 months and two years to live.
Moved by his story, the Band of Builders – an organisation set up by tradespeople to help members of the construction trade and their families in times of hardship – will spend a week renovating the garden at Dan’s home in Aveley, Essex.
Around 50 tradespeople will fit a bespoke timber summer house to create a safe space where Dan can play with his children and make memories with them. It will also create a lasting legacy for them to remember him by.
Through the project, Dan and his family also want to raise awareness of the importance of getting medical advice as soon as you’re worried about a change in your body. Dan waited three months before going to a doctor and wants to educate others about the importance of seeking help at an early stage.
Band of Builders was formed as part of Addam Smith’s efforts to help friend and colleague Keith Ellick, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in late 2015, with tradespeople from across the UK helping with a DIY SOS-style renovation of Keith’s home. Keith sadly died in March this year but Band of Builders continues as his legacy and is in the process of becoming a registered charity.
Addam Smith said: “We had huge success helping create a sensory garden at a special school over the summer, and we’re continuing by carrying out this project for Dan.
“The summer house, or ‘man cave’, will be a place where Dan can spend time playing with his three children and make amazing memories, as well as being a space where in future the kids can go and remember their dad.
“This is exactly what Band of Builders was set up to do.”
The project is funded by a £50,000 award. Addam won the Trade Hero award at the Jewson Building Better Communities competition, which supports building projects and communities up and down the country.
