Houghton Regis landscaper organises surprise garden makeover to change Luton family’s life
and live on Freeview channel 276
Drew Burdett, of A Star Building and Landscaping Ltd, along with mum Kim Bracegirdle, pulled together a team of generous tradesmen to help Justine Warren, her daughter Beth, and son Tom.
After a previous builder left their garden in a mess in 2015, the family were devastated, especially when Beth – who was later diagnosed with functional neurological disorder, ME, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and hyper mobility – could not access the garden in her wheelchair.
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Hide AdHowever, when Drew and his mum heard of the family’s plight, they were determined to help. And while Beth and her children were on holiday in Cornwall they transformed the back yard “building site” into a gorgeous garden for free.
“They have changed our lives,” said Justine, who was told to ‘close her eyes’ when she arrived home on Saturday (July 18). “They have gone above and beyond. It’s really taught me that there are good people out there.
“It was like 60-Minute Makeover, so when I opened my eyes, I just burst into tears, Beth burst into tears and my son Tom was in shock.
“I woke up at 3am that night and had to go outside on the patio, thinking ‘oh my God, this is mine’!”
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Hide AdThe garden is now wheelchair accessible, meaning Beth can have a barbecue for her 19th birthday in August, and, more importantly, she can enjoy the garden whenever she pleases.
Beth told the Gazette: “This has changed my life. Their generosity has gone way beyond anything I could have imagined. It’s refreshing to be able to sit outside and not worry about anything.”
Son Tom, 15, who mum Justine praised for being a wonderful support to Beth, added: “It’s amazing what they have done in the time they had!”
Justine and her family said they had lost £30,000 to the previous builder after he took a long time to lay some foundations, which were later found to be unstable.
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Hide AdThe work was for an extension so the children’s grandmother could live with them, but in the end it was needed for Beth, so she could live on the ground floor.
Using loans, Justine managed to get the extension built, but thanks to the previous builder, the garden was still left in ruins; however, Drew and his team have now transformed it into two levels, including wheelchair ramps.
Builder and landscaper, Drew, 36, said: “It disgusts me. I don’t know how he [the previous builder] can sleep at night.
“It was my nan’s hairdresser who explained the story, so I said, ‘Mum, do you think we could get a bit of a DIY SOS crew together?’
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Hide Ad“It was worth everything to see their faces on Saturday and I’ve now got a lifetime friend in Justine.”
Mum Kim added: “I’m so proud of him and what he’s done.
“It was a nice surprise for Justine and I don’t think she can thank him enough.”
Justine, Beth and Tom would like to say a huge thank you to Drew, Kim and their team for everything they have done. They also thank friends Lisa Duncan and Sinead Healy for helping with the surprise, as well as hairdresser Emma Puddlefoot, who knew Justine and reached out to Drew. Drew and Kim wished to thank their top team of volunteer tradesmen and everyone who donated materials.
The work took five days to complete and the team celebrated with drinks, scones and cakes when Justine, Beth and Tom arrived home.
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Hide AdThe kind workers and people who donated items and supported the project were:
M O’Brian group of companies - aggregates
Nuyard - paving and fencing
George Davies Turf Co and Neil Bracegirdle - turf
A Joel Roofing (Alex Joel) and Mervyn Sach for donation - sleepers
Mini One Plant Hire - grab away lorry
SDC - drainage and manhole block trays
Jax Stathers and Gemma Bracegirdle - catering
Stephen and Elaine Ashley and Danny and Annie Brown - plant pots and ornaments
Boyce Landscaping Services (Dean Boyce) - installation of fencing
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Hide AdSC Roofing Contractors (Steve Charmers) installation of decking
PP parties - keeping the team hydrated
John Goodman - renovation of garden bench
Lisa and Kim - plants, flowers and barbecue
J W Construction (Wayne, Billy and Danny) - for all their hard work on Monday
Roger Thasan - all his support