Glidevale Protect lends its support to DIY SOS project

The project, which took place in September, involved building an extension at the Joshua Tree Support Centre, based in Cheshire. Currently supporting around 300 families, demand for its services continues to grow across the region and beyond as families travel further to access treatment from nearby Alder Hey and Manchester Children’s Hospitals.

Kirkwood Timber Frame manufactured the timber kit for the build and installed this on-site, relying on the support of its supply chain partners, including ourselves. We donated three membrane products – Protect TF200 Thermo reflective insulating breather membrane for the external walls, Protect VP400 Plus LR vapour permeable underlay for the pitched roof and Protect BarriAir internal air barrier with vapour control properties for the warm side of the insulation.

The Joshua Tree charity was set up to help children living with cancer and their families by offering respite and support from the initial diagnosis and through treatment. Its aim is to improve wellbeing and reduce isolation and its support centre provides children with access to play spaces, activities and therapy, while parents and siblings are encouraged to take part in talking therapy, complementary treatments or PT sessions. Originally founded 20 years ago by Dai and Lynda Hill after they found limited support when their son Joshua was diagnosed with leukaemia at five years old, it has come full circle as Joshua now helps out with PT sessions for children and teens to encourage them back to fitness after treatment.

John Mellor, Head of Marketing at Glidevale Protect commented: “When Kirkwood Timber Frame approached us to support this project it was an easy decision for us to assist. I’m humbled by the generosity of spirit in the construction industry and projects like this bring us together. It was a privilege to support this charity which does such good work for our region.” Malcolm Thomson, Managing Director at Kirkwood Timber Frame added: “This has been a truly inspiring project for our team and partnering organisations to be involved in. Few of us can comprehend the physical, mental, and emotional journey that the children and families that receive support and care from The Joshua Tree are going through.

“To witness so many different companies and trades people working towards a shared goal has been both overwhelming and heartwarming. The can-do attitude and ability to overcome challenges given the fast-paced nature of the build, has fostered a sense of community spirit and pride. It is an honour to support a project which is going to have a long-lasting impact on those accessing the building and its services at what is a very difficult time in their lives.”

DIY SOS: The Big Build joins forces with BBC Children in Need to deliver large-scale community projects for charities across the UK. The programme, presented by Nick Knowles, aired on Thursday 13th November, as part of the BBC’s Children in Need coverage.