A ‘life-changing’ renovation project supporting a 14-year-old Suffolk boy with Dravet Syndrome, autism and epilepsy has been officially launched thanks to a unique charity partnership with 25 local contractors.
The GeeWizz charitable foundation has brought together a team of building experts to provide an ‘SOS renovation’ project for Daniel Dellar from Kesgrave.
Daniel suffers from autism and Dravet Syndrome, a form of paediatric epilepsy, and can suffer multiple epileptic fits every day.
His mum, Mandy, said: “I cannot thank Gina Long, GeeWizz and all the project team enough. It has not sunk in yet what everyone is doing for Daniel and our family. This will literally change his quality of life.”
The project is being led by Matt Cottrell, from Foxwood Ceramics and Cottrell Brickwork, and Ben Allen from the Birch Group – with funds of £6,600 from the proceeds of last year’s Milsom Hotels and Fenwick Colchester Fashion Show helping too.
Matt said: “I am delighted to be supporting a project that will make such a difference. It is great to see so many local businesses join offering their services free of charge, generously coming together wanting to help Daniel.”
The single storey extension has been designed by David Hart of Architectural Building Design Services (ABDS) and will include a specialist bathroom and bedroom area for Daniel as well as new windows and doors fitted by Ipswich-based FIS Windows and an entire ‘home design makeover’.
The renovation is expected to begin at the end of February and take up to three months to complete.
Gina Long MBE, founder of GeeWizz, said: “I was contacted by long-term charity supporter, Guy Nicholls, who is a friend of the Dellar family, asking if GeeWizz can help.
“Matt Cottrell and Ben Allen immediately sprung into action calling endless contacts, culminating in this amazing support.
“I am indebted to Matt and Ben for leading on the project and to all the individuals and companies for generously coming on board.
“I am delighted to support the Dellar family. Daniel’s greatest pleasure is having a bath – something we all take for granted – and this whole SOS renovation project will be life-changing for him and the whole family.”