Houghton Regis landscaper organises surprise garden makeover to change Luton family’s life

A kind-hearted Houghton Regis landscaper and his mum organised a DIY SOS-style garden makeover that has transformed the lives of a Luton family.
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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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However, 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.

Clockwise from top left: Drew with Justine, Beth and Tom; the tradesmen and volunteers; the garden after; the garden before.Clockwise from top left: Drew with Justine, Beth and Tom; the tradesmen and volunteers; the garden after; the garden before.
Clockwise from top left: Drew with Justine, Beth and Tom; the tradesmen and volunteers; the garden after; the garden before.

“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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The 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.

Drew with Justine, Beth and TomDrew with Justine, Beth and Tom
Drew with Justine, Beth and Tom

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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The 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.

The garden (after)The garden (after)
The garden (after)

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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“It was worth everything to see their faces on Saturday and I’ve now got a lifetime friend in Justine.”

The garden (before).The garden (before).
The garden (before).

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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The kind workers and people who donated items and supported the project were:

M O’Brian group of companies - aggregates

The tradesmen and volunteersThe tradesmen and volunteers
The tradesmen and volunteers

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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SC 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

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