We are delighted to have been involved in RTE’s DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland this year. Our representative Prionsias Stagg and his wife Margaret took part in the show back in June this year in their local village, Longwood in Co. Meath.
DIY SOS Ireland is famous for bringing out the very best in people. In each episode an army of volunteer builders, labourers, trades, suppliers, friends and neighbours come together giving their time, labour and materials to renovate a local family’s home, whose lives have been significantly impacted by loss or misfortune.
Prionsias and Margaret were involved in working on the Parson’s family home. Jennifer Parsons is mum to two boys, her youngest of which, Josh (4) was diagnosed with Smith-Magennis Syndrome, a severe developmental disorder, leaving him non-verbal, peg-fed and in a wheelchair. Josh’s older brother Ryan (7) has autism, and has a lot of sensory issues, and Jennifer herself has multiple health issues which are getting increasingly debilitating and affecting her mobility. Jennifer’s husband Glen made the hard decision to retire from the Defence Forces after 21 years to become the main carer for his wife and children at home. The family was concerned that their small semi-detached home wasn’t very wheelchair accessible or practical for their needs. Prionsias and Margaret worked alongside a team of volunteers to transform this deserving family’s home and improve their quality of life in the process. Prionsias said, “It was the most amazing experience I have ever been involved in and if you ever get a chance to be involved, jump at it.”
Well done Prionsias and Margaret on taking part in such a worthy cause!
The episode will be televised in November this year. If you are interested in learning more, visit facebook.com/diysosireland.