THE TEAM from popular TV show DIY SOS is in town, transforming the home and lives of a Bromsgrove family.
A two-storey side extension is being built for Johanna Lane and fiance William Cole so Johanna can become the full-time carer of 27-year-old sister Karis who has Cerebral Palsy.
Once the work, which includes a new bedroom and a wet-room, is complete, Karis will move in.
At the moment Karis – who uses a wheelchair and needs constant care – lives in Stourbridge with their mum Karen.
But she is not well herself and is unable to look after Karis in the future.
She is falling over on a regular basis and now social services are recommending Karis be put into residential care.
Johanna is heartbroken over the situation but realises she can help her mum by taking care of her younger sister.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Johanna and her partner have managed to save a small amount of money so far by running her hairdressing business from home and managed to get planning permission to extend.
“Karis is an incredibly motivated young woman who desperately wants to achieve independence.
“To do the show we completely rely on the support and generosity of the local community of tradespeople and supplies to carry out the work.
“Together we can then help to transform the lives of truly deserving families.”
Local Bromsgrove tradespeople have been working closely with the DIY SOS team all week, including Sunrise Plumbing and Heating which has installed a new boiler.
They have volunteered free-of-charge to make the family’s dream become a reality.
Vicky and Sheryl from Vicky’s Store and Post Office in Lickey End also delivered ice creams and sweets to the hot and busy team.
Safer neighbourhood officer PC Barney Kelso said: “I popped into the DIY SOS and the build is coming along really well.
“Amazing seeing the community coming together.”
The TV crew will finish filming today and will then get ready for the big reveal.
