Shaun Fletcher, a much-loved electrician, tragically died by suicide in December 2023 after an ongoing battle with mental ill health. The 44-year-old husband and father was in the process of completing a house renovation, which was being carried out to make the home more accessible for their son Toby, who was born with complex health conditions.
16-year-old Toby was born 13 weeks premature, and has spent his life dealing with conditions such as quadriplegic cerebral palsy, dystonia and deafness. This has resulted in Toby relying on tube-feeding and requiring 24/7 palliative care. His ground-fl oor bedroom was left unusable, leading to mum Sarah having to carry him upstairs every night.
Band of Builders was contacted and decided this was a project that simply couldn’t be left unfinished.
Over 150 tradespeople from across the UK have united to complete the emotional project that sadly, Shaun never got to finish.
In just 12 short days, the construction industry volunteers managed to completely transform the entire house, with a brand new bedroom for Toby, accessible bathrooms, plumbing and electrics completion and full landscaping of the front and back gardens.
“Toby’s room is incredible – and now we can finally get proper overnight care for him,” said Sarah, “We’ve been living on a building site for years, and I still can’t believe what’s been done in such a short space of time. This home is a legacy for Shaun and now we can start to heal.”
A Charity With Heart – Supported by Project 7K
Over 7000 tradespeople have taken their lives over the last ten years, which would have been enough to build a city the size of Cardiff in that timeframe.
On The Tools set up Project 7K to ensure we wouldn’t lose any more of our tradespeople to suicide. Project 7k funds the charity organisation Band of Builders, in order to provide life-changing therapy and support to those who need it in the industry.
This project starkly showcases the dire need to help tradespeople and the vast impact it can have on those left behind, such as Sarah and the children.
This issue hits close to home for many tradespeople, and dozens of trade types volunteered to get involved in this project: from groundworkers and bathroom fitters to smart home specialists, solar panel installers, and decorators.
“This was the biggest project we’ve ever delivered, not just in scale, but in meaning,” said Gavin Crane, CEO of Band of Builders, “Finishing what Shaun started was emotional for all of us. Mental health affects so many in our industry, and this build brought out the very best of what we can do when we come together as a trade.”
Evening meals, site brews, and materials were donated by supporters from across the community and construction sector, showing the spirit of togetherness in the trade.
A Powerful Reminder of What the Trade Can Do
“You’re all superheroes,” Sarah told the volunteers at the end-of-project handover, “This house is more than bricks and mortar it’s peace of mind, a fresh start, and a fitting tribute to Shaun.”
Band of Builders continues to support UK tradespeople facing life-altering circumstances, funded entirely through donations, sponsorships, and fundraising campaigns like Project 7K.
To support future projects or get involved as a volunteer, visit: bandofbuilders.org, and to find out more about Project 7K, visit www.thelostcity.org
