4/4
Kyle Ferguson is a bright and determined 17-year-old from Wicklow Town who lives with his parents Mary and Thomas, twin sister Sophie, older brother Evan and his much-loved assistance dog, Kazz. Kyle has cerebral palsy and primarily uses a wheelchair to get about.
However, due to the current layout of the family home, Kyle is unable to use his chair indoors and must rely on tripods —which has become increasingly challenging. Kyle currently depends on his parents to support him up and down the stairs, which means he will generally only access the upstairs area at bedtime. He also requires daily support with dressing and personal care because he can’t avail of an accessible bathroom. The living conditions in the house have stymied Kyle’s potential for a more independent life and have placed a considerable emotional and physical strain on the entire family.
His family have secured planning permission to adapt their home so Kyle can live with greater independence, dignity, and comfort – but simply don’t have the means to do all they need to do – a bigger bedroom for Kyle and his chair, an accessible bathroom adjacent to his bedroom, a lift to bring him upstairs to these rooms and a more accessible layout downstairs.
Kyle is going into 5th year and remains incredibly resilient—actively participating in wheelchair tennis and attending regular physiotherapy to aid his progress. With the right build and the right aids in place, Kyle would be able to move freely throughout the house – upstairs and downstairs. He can attain more independence, privacy and dignity for himself and ease the daily demands on those who help care for him.
About Series:
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.
