3/4
Thirteen year old Franek is a happy, loving boy who is severely disabled and who relies entirely on his family for his care. He has cerebral palsy, severe scoliosis, is visually impaired and unable to walk. Franek lives with his Mam and Dad – Tanya and Val, his twin brother Antoni and older brother Tom.
Franek requires assistance for all transfers and ideally would have a hoist but the family house is not equipped for this. Currently Val carries him upstairs to access his bedroom and the only bathroom. As Franek grows older this is becoming increasingly difficult. Mam Tanya had surgery last year to remove a brain tumour and is now unable to assist with lifting Franek due to her own health.
Franek shares his small bedroom with his twin brother Antoni. When Franek is unwell he wakes a lot at night which means Antoni has to sleep on the couch downstairs.
Franek is awaiting urgent spinal surgery for his scoliosis, but there’s a problem. His surgery has been delayed because he will need to be hoisted after the procedure, and currently the home is not adapted for this. The family desperately needs a downstairs bedroom and an accessible bathroom for Franek’s life post-surgery. As Franek’s scoliosis worsens his need for an adapted home becomes ever more urgent.
About Series:
This is a heart-warming, inspirational series for RTÉ ONE. Deserving families facing difficult personal circumstances, who need help to improve their quality of life, get a significant home renovation – a big build – all through goodwill and substantially delivered in just 9 days.
This series brings out the very best in people. In every episode an army of volunteer builders, labourers, trades, suppliers, friends and neighbours come together – giving their time, labour and materials free gratis – to help a family in real need. It showcases Ireland’s incredible community spirit. It quietly celebrates the generosity, dedication and pure altruism of big-hearted volunteers and suppliers, all who work tirelessly to help change someone’s life in a very tangible way – by making their house a home to suit their needs, now and into the future.
These battalions of high vis vests and hard hats are corralled and cajoled by the big and bold Baz Ashmawy. Baz keeps spirits high and tensions low as teams work into the night to realise these amazing big builds.
