NOVUS PROPERTY SOLUTIONS RESPONDS TO DIY SOS APPEAL

We recently supported the Joshua Tree Children in Need build, as featured on the BBC One series DIY SOS.

A group of 12 volunteers from our North West region, including one of our newest apprentices, joined Nick Knowles and the BBC DIY SOS team over the summer to help expand the residential facilities at the Joshua Tree Support Centre. Over the course of two full days Novus volunteers contributed to landscaping, painting, and site clean-up. The improved and expanded site will provide additional space for the charity to support more children and families affected by childhood cancer across North West England and North Wales.

The Joshua Tree charity aims to help children living with cancer and their families by offering respite and support from the initial diagnosis, through treatment and beyond as well as improving wellbeing and reducing isolation. Its support centre provides children with access to play spaces, activities and therapy, while parents and siblings are encouraged to unwind with talking therapy, complementary treatments or PT sessions. Originally set up 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.

The much-needed extension at the Joshua Tree Support Centre will help the charity continue its important work to support hundreds of families as demand for its services continues to grow.

Susan Nuttall, director at JSSH who connected us with this inspiring project, said: “Volunteering at The Joshua Tree was truly a moving experience. Listening to families share how the charity supported them through their child’s cancer journey made every effort feel meaningful. Knowing that our work will help even more children and families find comfort and hope during such challenging times is incredibly inspiring.”