FELLOW builders are rallying to help bring Martin Wilks back home to Herefordshire after months in hospital following a fall from a ladder last summer.

Martin and his wife Helen have been “amazed and humbled” by concerted moves in their community to adapt their home at Almeley after the 64-year-old builder’s accident in Kington last June.

Thousands of pounds have been raised in the village to enable him to return to the family home after eight months at a specialist rehabilitation unit in Leamington Spa. Though Martin remains paralysed, and has suffered strokes, seizures, infections, pneumonia and a lung abscess, Band of Builders (Bob) – a group helping UK construction workers ‘in their hour of need’ – has climbed on board.

The father of three has regained some use in his arms, though his legs remain paralysed. In order for Martin to have a degree of independence at home, internal and external changes need to be made.

With only an upstairs bathroom, an extension is planned to provide a wet room and doorways need to be widened to make them wheelchair friendly. Landscaping works will also be required and a new heating system to replace the existing open fire. Martin’s family has applied for grants to carry out the work, and Band of Builders has pledged its support.

The group, currently seeking charitable status, will be working in phases over the coming months due to the planning application process. The initial step to install a new woodburning stove has already begun.

Said Martin: “Both Helen and I are amazed and humbled by the help and support we’ve been offered by complete strangers. This will take such a difference to us.” A spirited fundraising campaign in Almeley had topped £20,000 by January.

BoB trustee Dan Harris commented: “Martin’s house currently has an open fire that is unsafe and not in use so needs work to stop the elements and draught blowing down.

“On top of this, oil for the boiler is expensive and it’s difficult to refill due to the location of the home, so a woodburner will make it much easier and economical for Martin’s family to heat their home.”

He added: “Phase one of this project is the first step in making sure that Martin can be as comfortable as possible in his home, despite his injury.”