Construction charity Band of Builders is a long-running pro bono client of EMPR, which now works alongside Paul Kirby of Octopus PR to promote the charity and its work. Band of Builders’ project to help Cher Little was its largest to date, and involved completely reconfiguring her house to allow the wheelchair-bound mum more freedom and privacy.
Over 31 days, more than 70 BoB volunteers travelled to Cher’s home in Connah’s Quay, Flintshire, North Wales to build a new extension, a new low-level kitchen and wet room, as well as refitting Cher’s bedroom. Doorways were also widened with ramped access outside to make the home wheelchair accessible and give Cher more independence.
When Cher, who is learning to walk again using prosthetics but relies on a wheelchair for a lot of her movement, returned home she was overjoyed.
She said: “I couldn’t imagine how it was going to be – but this is absolutely incredible, and I can’t thank all of the volunteers enough for what they’ve done in giving me loads of living space. It’s been a real struggle, but Band of Builders has given me my freedom back and I can be happy again.”
The results of the project gained national coverage, including the Mirror and the Daily Record, as well as regional TV coverage, local radio and local newspapers.
It was also covered by trade media, helping to spread awareness and support for Band of Builders among the construction sector.