Local manufacturer helps out in DIY SOS

A WESTBURY business came to the rescue with BBC DIY SOS, in an episode broadcast last week.
Eric Rivers from Enfield, North London, has motor neurone disease but can now continue to be cared for at home thanks to a complete house make-over by BBC DIY SOS and the donation of a high quality double combination assistive bed by Theraposture of Westbury. Theraposture Ltd is a privately owned, family-run business and has been the leading specialist in bespoke assistive furniture for over three decades. When approached by BBC researchers to assist with a DIY SOS ‘Big Build’ in Enfield, the Westbury team were more than delighted to oblige. Liam Braddell, sales director explained, “Our business is first choice for most healthcare professionals, charities and less able individuals looking for handcrafted, tailor-made assistive furniture which blends effortlessly into anyone’s home. The BBC were looking for a bed that combined height adjustment and profiling capabilities, which would perfectly meet the needs of Eric and his wife Davina, who were desperate to stay in their own home. “They also needed many adaptations to their two-bed terraced house so that the space was practical both for everyday living and as a care environment. Without a high quality, specialist profiling bed, Eric would not be able to remain at home due to the levels of pain he was enduring at night and his wife was desperate for a good night’s sleep.” Eric was diagnosed with motor neurone disease 18 months ago, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that leads to weakness and wasting of muscles. Eric, his wife and three daughters were nominated for the TV programme by two close friends who felt they desperately needed help, especially as their compact house was unsuitable for all their needs. Following an initial visit, the TV researchers unfortunately concluded their house was too small for a ‘Big Build’, however their friend did not accept this and began tweeting Nick Knowles on Twitter, the DIY SOS celebrity presenter, for several months until the decision was reversed. Following the nine-day build which involved the addition of an extra loft bedroom, a vertical mobility lift, wet room and comprehensive structural and aesthetic redesigns, Eric and his family’s new home was revealed to them by Nick and the BBC crew. This emotional unveiling also gave Eric chance to thank the large number of tradesmen and suppliers, including Theraposture, who had contributed to this life-changing gift. This project, along with the provision of the specialist assistive bed from Theraposture, meant Eric could remain in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by his family and expensive care costs could be avoided. A few weeks after the programme had been filmed, Eric said, “The improvement in my mobility since owning a Theraposture bed is absolutely astounding and I can honestly say the change has been almost instantaneous. Davina is now enjoying the best night’s sleep in over 12 months. We are both more active during the day and our children’s quality of life has also vastly improved. This bed is truly ‘magical’ and alongside the BBC and all the tradesmen who were involved with the makeover, I cannot thank Theraposture enough for this life-changing donation. I would like the Motor Neurone Disease Association to recommend Theraposture beds to all people affected by this condition.”