Mike and Christine’s story
The Shrimptons initially had a battle on their hands to get a diagnosis for Christine for what they suspected was
early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. They also struggled to get Christine the care she needed. At the same time, her husband, Mike, a builder for more than 40 years, set about making adaptations to their home to make life easier and safer for his wife. The plan was to knock through some of the ground-floor rooms to create a larger open-plan space.
When Mike started the project, he suspected that he had issues with his prostate but didn’t want to face up to the health problem, as he was on a mission. However, in October 2022, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Although he battled on, he recognised that he wasn’t as quick as his younger self. Sadly, around the same time, Christine became unable to recognise Mike. After a series of medical episodes, it was recognised as dementia. Once this was diagnosed and she was medicated, Christine was able to recognise Mike again.
The strain continued to take its toll on Mike, with bouts of breathlessness, fatigue and reduced mobility and in October 2024, Mike was diagnosed with a serious heart condition, for which he needed a procedure to insert a stent.
Work had ground to a halt on the project and had left their home uninhabitable but Mike felt under pressure because
Christine’s medical team said that if she couldn’t move back into a safe home environment very soon, they ran the risk of her going into residential care.
Project 48
This is our 48th project, this project involved installing structural steels, completing the first and second fixes on the plumbing and electrics, and installing a new boiler and heating system. The ground floor was insulated and plaster boarded.
A new top-of-the range kitchen was donated by Howdens, the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier, and installed by award-winning kitchen fitter, Tom Easter.
Externally, the failing flat roof and skylight were replaced, and new patio doors and remedials were needed to the rear of the house.
Before
After
Thank you to supporters
The project was sponsored by DEWALT and its Senior Brand Manager for the UK + ROI, Tim Winstanley said: “We’re incredibly proud to stand alongside the Band of Builders family to support this life-changing project. The dedication and compassion shown by every volunteer is truly inspiring. Their generosity in giving their time and skill reflects the very best of our industry, and we’re honoured to be able to play our small part in helping make a real difference together.”
BoB also wishes to thank its supporters and sponsors who provided materials as well as local businesses that delivered
food and refreshments. This includes: Reconomy Trade, Jewson Hire, GR8 Hire, Lee Bros, CT1, Sealants, Edmundson Electrical, Plumb City, Professional Carpets, City Plumbing, Okarno, Hancocks Drainage and Building Supplies, SIG roofing, Accuroof, Timco and Travis Perkins.
Now the work is complete, Mike can realise his original vision of having an open-plan ground-floor space that won’t just be a safe haven for Christine but can also be a place where people with early-onset dementia and their loved ones can meet up and share their experiences of living with the condition.