Ben is appealing for volunteers and donations to help bring 13 year old Dan Flemen home. The Flemen family are being filmed on DIY SOS in July.
Dan was diagnosed with a brain tumour on 6 November 2022. Following emergency surgery, he suffered a stroke and now faces severe disabilities – he is non-verbal, cannot sit unaided, needs night-time ventilation support and requires 24‑hour care.
Nigel Flemen, Dan’s dad, said: “Our little family has always been very close, and the thought that Dan may never be able to come home is something we can’t consider or think about, it’s too devastating.
“That’s why we are asking for help. Dan needs to come home, where he belongs, with all of his family. We feel this would aid his recovery, mental health and quality of life.”
Dan has been hospitalised for over two and a half years. Dan’s mother, Julie, has been living in hospital accommodation to be by his side while his father, who works for APL vehicle services, and two sisters travel over 50 miles from Freckleton to be with them.
Dan was an active and sociable teenager, a Cub and Scout, school council member, church volunteer, sports enthusiast, palaeontology buff and Manchester City supporter.
Though non-verbal, he responds to familiar faces with smiles, and recent small improvements in his condition have given renewed hope.
The family home is not currently wheelchair-friendly and doesn’t have the space to accommodate Dan’s needs. They need a private, accessible bedroom, adapted bathroom, facilities for full-time care, and social space to reconnect with family and friends.
BBC’s DIY SOS series will contribute to the work and Ben is providing support. However, contributions and volunteers are still vital.
General volunteers for decorating, electricians, plumbers, decorators, joiners, and suppliers of materials. To offer support, contact: [email protected].
Every donation brings Dan closer to a home that meets his needs. A GoFundMe page has been set up at https://www.gofundme.com/f/DanFlemen.