In a heartwarming display of solidarity, volunteer tradespeople from Band of Builders (BoB) are coming together to create a wheelchair-accessible wet room for Mark Willerton, a self-employed plumber from Banbury, Oxfordshire, who lost his leg following a work-related injury.

Mark's life took a dramatic turn after a seemingly minor incident in 2019 when he ruptured the tendons in his right leg while picking up a packet of screws from his van. Despite his determination to finish the job, his injury escalated, leading to a series of unsuccessful surgeries. In 2022, after enduring years of pain and limited mobility, the decision was made to amputate his leg.

The impact on Mark's life has been profound. Once a powerlifter and skilled tradesman, he now alternates between using a prosthetic leg and a wheelchair. A recent fall in his bathroom highlighted the need for a more accessible space, prompting Mark and his wife, Lynne, to reach out to BoB for help.

The charity, known for its commitment to assisting those in the construction industry facing illness or injury, swiftly responded. Volunteers will work together to widen the bathroom and transform it into a fully accessible wet room, complete with a large shower and a fold-down seat — essential modifications that will significantly improve Mark's quality of life.

"I know exactly what needs doing and am gutted that I can’t do it myself," Mark shared, expressing his deep gratitude for the support he's receiving. "When it is done, it will make a huge difference."

This project marks BoB's 38th endeavor since its founding in 2016, with the community of 50,000 members stepping up once again to support one of their own. Operations director Tony Steel remarked, "We’re gearing up for Mark’s project, and yet again the BoB community has done us proud."

The project is set to take place at the end of August, symbolizing not just the transformation of a bathroom, but the unwavering camaraderie and resilience of the tradespeople who make up the Band of Builders.

To see more on Mark and this amazing project, visit www.bbc.com