DIY SOS revamps Westbury home for family with disabled child

The Purcell family from Westbury will appear on Sunday’s RTÉ DIY SOS programme as the show completes a nine‑day refurbishment of their home to accommodate the special needs of four‑year‑old Carter, who has a rare genetic disability.

Parents Nikita and Alex Purcell explained that Carter requires constant care, including washing and lifting to bed, and that the previous upstairs bedrooms and small bathroom made daily tasks difficult.

The renovation created a new downstairs bedroom and bathroom for Carter, fitted with a hoist, and added an extension that replaces the former living room and kitchen. The new living area includes a hoist for lifting Carter onto the couch, extra space for his physiotherapy, and room for his brother AJ’s toys.

Additional modifications address storage for Carter’s wheelchair, walkers, tube‑feeding system and medical supplies, with light switches installed at a lower height and doorways widened for wheelchair access. The team consulted the Children’s Disability Network to “future‑proof” the home.

Nikita Purcell said the changes have made a huge difference, noting Carter’s enjoyment of his own room and the family’s gratitude to Baz Ashmawy and the DIY SOS crew.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: Valentin Ivantsov / Pexels.