DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland was in New Ross, Co Wexford recently and members of the Wexford Food Family were on hand to help feed the huge amount of volunteers on site.
The DIY SOS Team, headed up by Baz Ashmawy and his team of Purple Shirts were in New Ross, right on the Wexford-Kilkenny border, in July to help The Aylward Family – Johnny, Lynn and their two young boys, Mikey & Daire.
Kilkenny native, Johnny has been recently diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease. Johnny’s current rental home is unsuitable for his imminent occupational needs. Lynn works as a full-time carer for their youngest son Daire, who has autism and the family need a home to provide long-term security for the whole family, as well as to allow Johnny to manage this difficult disease in the peace and comfort of a specially adapted home.
Johnny’s three older children Kelley, Colin and Aaron and Lynn’s young adult sons Cian and Aaron are also really anxious to help their younger brothers. Johnny’s uncle John has gifted the family a site in rural Kilkenny and the family have turned to DIYSOS for help in realising their dream of turning this empty field into a forever home.
“This is our most ambitious Build to date, but I’ve no doubt once people hear about Johnny’s tough, tough prognosis and his very simple, but fundamental dream of simply putting a roof over his family, then they will come out in their droves to help!” -Baz Ashmawy.
There is no doubting that this is a massive undertaking and involved a huge team of voluntary and dedicated tradesmen and women – all of whom worked around the clock on the project. None of the work would have been possible on an empty stomach and a large catering schedule was put in place and many Wexford Food Family members have sponsored food and drink to contribute. Members involved are:
Slaney Foods, Irish Country Meats, Trudies Kitchen, Killowen Farm, O’Neills Bacon, Butchers Best, Scúp Gelato, Daengs Healthy Foods, Wexford Home Preserves, and Naturally Cordial.
The programme is expected to air on RTE sometime this winter, look out for it!
Congratulations to all involved and we wish the Aylward family happiness and all the very best of luck in their new home.
