RTÉ show calls for volunteers to renovate home of injured local firefighter
The producers of RTÉ television series DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland have urged volunteers to come on board and help renovate the home of Patrick Berry, the Athlone firefighter who suffered serious injuries while attending the scene of a house fire in October.
The show, which is hosted by Baz Ashmawy, said on social media today that it was preparing for its third series and would be "coming to Athlone from March 1 to March 10 to renovate the home of Pa Berry and his young family."
The local firefighter and father of three almost died when the gable wall of a house in Mount Temple collapsed on top of him on October 14 last. As a result of his injuries he is currently sleeping in a hospital bed in the living room of his house in Assumption Road.
"Pa suffered extensive injuries in the line of duty, which have left him without independence, out of work, and looking towards a long and arduous road to recovery," said the DIY SOS producers.
"Pa and his partner Nicky have three beautiful children and are in desperate need of help in completing the renovations to their house to make it safe and secure for their young family. Pa needs round-the-clock care and their home is not conducive to a speedy and healthy recovery.
"Nicky is now his full-time carer, and with three kids they are struggling to find the time and space they now so desperately need.
"But, as always, we can't do it alone. We are looking for: Groundworkers, Ticketed Machine Drivers, Carpenters, General Labourers, Plumbers, Electricians, Slabbers, Blocklayers, Painters, Plasterers, Joiners, Pavers, Landscapers, Fencers, Tree Surgeons, Tilers, Catering, Cleaning and Registration Volunteers - you name the trade, we need you there!"
The show said it also required the help of "local companies who can assist us by supplying goods and materials for external works: Plant hire, grab hire, skips, waste management, lawn turf and other landscaping products.
"For Catering: We need to feed our volunteers, so we are looking for catering companies or local restaurants to provide breakfast rolls, lunch, dinners and snacks to fuel our 100+ hardworking troops.
"For Interiors: We need joinery companies, furniture, wallpaper, extensive homewares, photography and frames, bedding, mirrors, mattress supplier, curtains, blinds.
"For Site Support: We need Traffic Management, Site Security, Van drivers, transport companies, containers/site storage, portaloos, marquees, accommodation, and printers."
People who are interested in getting involved are being asked to email: diysosathlone@motive.ie or to phone 083 013 9827.
Those who are contacting the show are asked to include their name, contact number, email and details of the trade or service they are offering.