A Suffolk family's home was a hive of activity this morning as the team from a prime time TV renovation show helped by dozens of local tradesmen began work on a project to help rebuild their lives.
DIY SOS: The Big Build will spend the next 10 days improving the Mildenhall home of Simon Dobbin to help deliver the care he needs after an unprovoked attack by a gang of men in March 2015 left him with permanent brain damage.
Mr Dobbin, a loving father, husband and football fan, was set-upon by around 25 men after watching his team Cambridge United play away at Southend FC. He was left fighting for his life in intensive care after a massive stroke and bleed on the brain.
Nicole Dobbin, Mr Dobbin's wife and full-time carer said in September when the show announced it would be visiting the family, that she had been 'overwhelmed' by the offers of support.
She said: 'It feels incredibly amazing that a community and outsiders have come together to help make our home meets Simon's needs.
'We are truly thankful to each and everyone, and are so happy that DIY SOS are on board, such a fantastic crew who are dedicated to making life for us so much more bearable.'
Scores of tradesmen have pitched in to help, along with friends and relatives; many of whom were already on the scene this morning.
They will be helping Nick Knowles and the team, including designer Laurence Llewelyn Bowen, transform the family's lives.
Series producer Hamish Summers said: 'DIY SOS are happy to support the Dobbin family and pleased that the work is now underway.'
Tradesmen who want to enquire about the project are asked to email DIYSOSMildenhall@BBC.co.uk.
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