Industry charity Ben is calling for urgent support from across the sector to help bring a young boy home after more than two and a half years in hospital.
Dan Flemen, once an active and sociable teenager, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in November 2022. Following emergency surgery, he suffered a devastating stroke that left him with life-altering disabilities.
Dan is now non-verbal, unable to sit unaided, and requires 24-hour care and night-time ventilation.
Since his diagnosis, Dan has remained in Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, while his mother, Julie, lives in hospital accommodation to stay close to him.
His father, Nigel, who works for APL Vehicle Services, travels over 50 miles from their home in Freckleton, Lancashire, along with Dan’s two sisters, to be with them whenever possible.
To bring Dan back home, the family’s house requires extensive renovations to make it suitable for his complex needs. The current property is not wheelchair-friendly and lacks the facilities required to support Dan’s care.
The BBC’s DIY SOS team will be filming a special episode in Freckleton between 16-23 July to help transform the family home.
However, contributions from the wider community – including donations, materials and skilled tradespeople – are still urgently needed to make this possible.
The plan includes creating a private, accessible bedroom for Dan, an adapted bathroom, facilities to support his full-time care, and a welcoming space where he can reconnect with family and friends. DIY SOS is appealing for electricians, plumbers, decorators, joiners, and general volunteers, as well as suppliers willing to contribute materials to support the build.
In addition to physical help, financial support is also vital. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover the additional costs of the build. Every donation, no matter how small, brings Dan closer to returning to the home where he can be surrounded by the love, care and normality that only family life can offer.
Nigel Flemen spoke of the emotional toll on the family, saying, “Dan needs to come home, where he belongs, with all of his family. We feel this would aid his recovery, mental health and quality of life. We are reaching out for help because we believe in the power of community. With your support, we can transform our home into a place where Dan can be surrounded by the love and care he needs and deserves.”
Ben’s CEO, Zara Ross, added: “When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them. This is more than a home renovation – it’s about giving a child the chance to return to the warmth and healing of his family. We know the heart of this industry, and we are confident that together, we can make a lasting difference.”
To volunteer or offer support, contact [email protected]. To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/DanFlemen.