Preston teenager returns home after DIY SOS transforms family house

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 16:32 · Archive

A 16-year-old wheelchair user in Preston has returned home after DIY SOS volunteers transformed his family house to meet his care needs.

Dan was an active 13-year-old Scout and Manchester City fan before persistent flu-like symptoms led doctors to discover a cancerous tumour in the centre of his brain. He underwent surgery to reduce the tumour, but complications caused serious brain damage and a stroke, leaving him wheelchair-bound with complex disabilities.

Dan eventually recovered enough to leave hospital but could not go home. The family home was not wheelchair-accessible and could not meet his care needs. He remained in hospital for 18 months despite being medically ready to discharge. His mother Julie stayed in temporary accommodation nearby to be with him, while his father Nigel remained at home around 50 miles away with their daughters Charlotte and Emily, effectively splitting the family between two locations.

DIY SOS, alongside local tradespeople, businesses and community volunteers, transformed the family home. Kitchen firm Wren donated and installed a new kitchen, utility room with worktops and appliances, and two fitted bedrooms, with Wren colleagues also volunteering on site. Dan has now returned home from hospital, reuniting the whole family under one roof. The episode airs tonight on television.

How it is being reported

• Preston teenager left wheelchair-bound after devastating cancer diagnosis helped by DIY SOSDan spent three years in hospitalLancsLive · 13 Oct, 16:08
• Airing tonight: Preston teen can finally return home after DIY SOS transformationDan Flemen was left unable to enter his own home after becoming a wheelchair user, and was stuck in hospital for 18 months before the DIY SOS volunteers stepped in.Chorley Guardian · 13 Oct, 05:30

In this story: Dan · Julie · Nigel · Charlotte · Emily · Preston · DIY SOS · Wren

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem