Band of Builders return to help Newport stroke victim

Volunteers from the Band of Builders charity have answered a cry for help from the family of a stroke victim from Newport – for a second time.

In May 2024, Band of Builders (BoB) built a ground-floor extension so that 72-year-old Keith Parry could have his own bedroom and bathroom – instead of having to sleep in the lounge.

Keith and wife Linda endured this for more than two years, which meant he was left without any privacy or facilities and effectively lived under the stairs in his lounge – prompting the affectionate comparison by local healthcare professionals to fantasy character Harry Potter, who had to live in a cupboard under the stairs in the world-famous books and films.

As the stroke has robbed Keith of his speech, when the extension was completed, his wife Linda thanked the assembled volunteers from the charity – which is best known for delivering rapid, high-impact home adaptation and renovation projects, mobilising the construction industry to support its own – and said: “What Band of Builders has done will change our lives forever.”

A crack squad of volunteers returned to install smooth decking to improve the exterior access around the extension so that it’s easier for the former joiner from Gaer to leave the house in his wheelchair.

Seeing the new decking and flooring for the first time, Linda thanked the volunteers and said: “You’ve shown the very best of humanity. Thank you for caring, thank you for your hard work and thank you for making such a meaningful difference to our lives.

“Now with phase 2 complete, you have given Keith something else that means the world to him – the ability to easily get outside in the fresh air and spend time in the garden once again, where he can sit, relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.”

About Keith

In December 2021, retired joiner Keith Parry suffered a stroke in an upstairs bedroom at his home.

Upon dialling 999, his family were told there would be a five-hour wait for an ambulance.

Friends and family rallied around, but it still took them 45 minutes to get him down the stairs so that he could be driven to his nearest hospital, where a crash team was waiting for him.

The 70-year-old was thrombolysed to break up blood clots and prevent new clots from forming – but that evening, he suffered a second bleed on the brain, which left him in intensive care for a week.

The stroke robbed Keith of his speech and mobility.

In total, Keith spent seven months in different hospitals in South Wales undergoing rehabilitation, and healthcare professionals suggested that he be moved to a nursing home.

Wife Linda flatly refused and had a hospital bed and lifting equipment installed in the lounge of their home – where Keith slept.

Because their house is at the bottom of a steep bank, his family couldn’t get him out of the house, so Keith had only been out of the house three times in the two years before the extension was built.

BoB completes 52nd project

This is the 52nd project completed by the charity, which supports tradespeople, construction workers and their families through crisis by providing practical help, emotional support and financial assistance when illness, injury or life-changing circumstances make everyday living unsafe or unmanageable.

The project was completed in the 10th anniversary year of the charity’s first one for Keith Ellick in May 2016.

The project was sponsored by Travis Perkins, the UK’s largest supplier of building materials to the building and construction industry with a network of more than 500 branches.

The materials were supplied by the Newport Gwent branch on Frederick Street.

Carine Jessamine, Group Marketing and Digital Director for Travis Perkins, said: “We are thrilled to have supported Band of Builders in the project to support Keith and Linda.

“Band of Builders does outstanding work right across the UK supporting current and former tradespeople who have fallen on difficult times.

“To be able to support the charity and all the fantastic volunteers on this project is a real privilege, and we hope the work helps Keith live as full a life as possible for many years to come.”

Speaking at the handover, volunteer Project Lead Andy Lee praised the ‘awesome’ team of volunteers.

He said: “To every volunteer who gave their time and skill, thank you. Together, you didn’t just complete Keith’s project – you proved what teamwork can achieve.”

BoB also wishes to thank its supporters and sponsors who provided materials – as well as local businesses that delivered food and refreshments. This included Reconomy and Timco.

For more information about the Band of Builders, visit: Home – Band of Builders