“The kindness of community should never be doubted.”
The first episode of the new season of DIY SOS: The Big Build aired last night, and viewers were incredibly moved.
The show saw Irish TV personality Baz Ashmawy lead a team of professionals and volunteers as they provided a much-needed build for the Alyward family from Kilkenny.
In 2020, the family found out that dad Johnny had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. The doctors’ prognosis suggested that he had between 2 and 3 years to live.
The devastating news was a shock for the family, and mum Lynn was worried about what life would look like when Johnny is no longer around. One of her chief concerns was having somewhere to live that would be appropriate for her family, and particularly, suitable for the needs of her children, one of whom is autistic.
Johnny himself told viewers: “The biggest fear I had was when I’m gone where are they gonna go? You gotta get a roof over their heads. Once that’s done I’m ok.”
I LOVE being part of this series 💙💙… to get to see first hand the good in the people of Ireland! The Kindness, empathy and heart of the volunteers. I love Johnny and his family and I know you will too! First episode of DIYSOS is at 06:30 PM this evening on @RTEOne #DIYSOSIrl pic.twitter.com/RPlgYC7GjD
— Baz Ashmawy (@bazashmawy) April 3, 2022
Baz and team – designer Aoife Rhattigan, interior designer Kerry Hiddleston, garden designer Peter Doneghan and health and safety officer Helena Ryan – lead an army of volunteers determined to transform a field into their new home, by building a house from scratch.
The team were successful, and they eventually called the home they built Teach Solais.
Viewers, meanwhile, were seriously moved by the Alywards’ story, and the community spirit that arose on-site.
One fan took to Twitter to say: “The kindness of community should never be doubted. What amazing people, so deserving and what amazing volunteers. Well done Baz Ashmawy and all the DIY SOS team, ye are superstars!”
Another shared: “Shows like this are a tonic. There will always be good people around. When going through horrible times, these amazing people will be there.”
