Television presenter Nick Knowles and the BBC DIY SOS team faced one of the most emotional and ambitious builds in the show’s 27-year history while working on a major home renovation in Preston. The project was launched to help 16-year-old Dan Flemen finally return home after spending three years living on a hospital respiratory ward.
Dan was an active and sociable 13-year-old living in Freckleton, just outside Preston, when what initially appeared to be flu in November 2022 turned out to be a brain tumour. Although life-saving surgery successfully removed the tumor, it left Dan non-verbal, unable to sit up independently, and reliant on round-the-clock care alongside a nighttime ventilator.
Despite being medically fit for discharge for 18 months, Dan remained stuck in a Manchester hospital simply because his family home could not accommodate his complex medical equipment, wheelchair requirements, and specialized care needs.
The prolonged separation took a severe toll on the family. Dan’s mother, Julie, remained by his side living at the hospital, while his father, Nigel-a master technician in the motor trade-stayed at home to care for their daughters, Charlotte and Emily. Nigel regularly drove over 50 miles each way just to visit his son.
During the intense build in July 2025, Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS crew spent a week on site constructing a custom extension specifically tailored around Dan’s care, complete with an accessible bedroom and an adapted bathroom. Midway through the project, Knowles made a public appeal on social media for extra plasterers and electricians to cover the weekend shift. The automotive charity Ben quickly stepped in, rallying tradespeople from Nigel’s industry to assist.
Community Support and Long-Awaited Reunion
Local residents in Freckleton had already rallied prior to the television crew’s arrival, raising funds through a GoFundMe campaign to help retrofit the property and bring Dan home.
The emotional weight of the undertaking left the production team and viewers deeply moved. It underscored the vital role community-driven infrastructure projects play when families face insurmountable hurdles within the housing and healthcare systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Dan unable to leave the hospital?
Although Dan was medically ready to leave the hospital for 18 months, his family home lacked the physical space and adaptations required for his wheelchair, medical equipment, and full-time care needs.
How long did Dan spend in the hospital?
Dan spent a total of three years on a respiratory ward in Manchester following his brain tumour surgery.
What did the DIY SOS team build for Dan?
The team constructed a custom-built home extension featuring a fully accessible bedroom and an adapted bathroom designed specifically to meet his complex medical requirements.
Who helped fund and build the project?
Alongside the DIY SOS crew and local fundraisers from Freckleton who set up a GoFundMe, the automotive charity Ben mobilized extra tradespeople from Nigel’s industry to help finish the build.
