LADY Bathurst has praised Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS team for their work in transforming the home of a man who broke his neck whilst on holiday in Cyprus.

Dad-of-two Ben, who lives in Avening, slipped while walking alongside a pool in April 2016, landing in the shallow end and breaking his neck in three places.

He has spent the last year living away from his family as he received treatment in Cyprus, Germany and at Salisbury Spinal Unit.

The family home was deemed unsuitable and the DIY SOS team are working to adapt the front access, install a two storey lift and renovate the home.

Last month, the BBC called for any volunteer tradespeople and suppliers who were willing to help out.

Countess Bathurst, who lives in Cirencester, headed down to the Cotswold village on Wednesday to show support for what she described as “one of the hardest” projects the team have ever undertaken.

“I knew this project was particularly challenging, not only in the complexities and heart-breaking story behind it – but also the fact it’s one of the hardest DIY SOS have ever undertaken,” she told the Standard.

Mr Knowles, show presenter, took to Twitter last Wednesday morning to thank Lady Bathurst and Countryfile presenter Ellie Harrison for helping out.

“So lovely to see my buddies @CotswoldLadyB and @EllieHarrison__ who popped down to support @DIYSOS,” he wrote, adding: “Big push today.”


As well as her TV work, Ms Harrison is also president of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

The episode will be shown as part of the new series, which started airing this week, and also features celebrity designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, who lives near Cirencester.

Lady Bathurst, who completed her 12-month term as High Sheriff of Gloucestershire in April, said: “I’ve known Nick Knowles and Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen for years and I know how much heart, thought, effort and care they put into every DIY SOS big build.

“I went over to show solidarity and support for the extraordinary people who have taken holiday or time away from businesses to help.”

She said: “With all that’s happening in the world at the moment, it is hugely uplifting to see the genuine wish of such a wonderful number of professional builders help a family who so desperately need it.

“I felt particularly proud of Gloucestershire – the community spirit is second to none. “Faith in humanity duly restored,” she added.

Last month, Mr Knowles was spotted in The Abbey Grounds in Cirencester, enjoying the various medieval-themed attractions put on by The Plantagenet Medieval Society over the Bank Holiday weekend.