A community in Weymouth has got together to provide one of their own with the facilities to help with daily life.

Eleanor Kirlew, of Goldcroft Avenue, has recently been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

The Kirlew home recently had a stair lift installed, but needed more alterations to make her life bearable and easier.

The home has lots of history for the family, as Eleanor raised her two sons there.

The thought of having to move would only add to the stress and anguish she currently feels.

A page on JustGiving was set up by Eleanor’s son Dean last year, with the aim of raising £10,000 for a wetroom and other alterations, which the Echo covered last year to raise awareness.

Eleanor said: “Through the campaign, we soon had enough for front access and back, but I still needed a wetroom as it is harder to get up and down the stairs.”

It was through the JustGiving page being shared on Facebook, that more support was provided.

Councillor Christine James spotted the post and contacted Penny Cutler and Helen Attree, co-trustees at the Mervyn Stewkesbury Charitable Foundation.

Cllr James said: “I’ve known Eleanor for a while and approached her after seeing the Facebook post.

“I told her that I knew someone that could help, and then approached Penny and Helen from the Mervyn Stewkesbury Charitable Foundation.”

Penny and Helen immediately arranged to meet Eleanor and wanted to help.

Penny said: “We came round and met Eleanor to see what needed doing.

“We identified that Eleanor needed a wet room so we went away to think about how to do it.

“We originally thought that the existing bathroom would be made into a wetroom, but we are now going to put it in the garage.”

Helen said: “We went away, contacted people and plans were drawn up.

“We then contacted sub-contractors and suppliers we know through our work with Betterment Properties.

“Many of them offered to do it free of charge and the suppliers have been very generous.”

The project quickly turned into a DIY SOS style project, with the following people offering their assistance:

  • Jack Jeffrey
  • Roger Locke
  • VH Electrical
  • Nigel Clift
  • Keystone Civil Engineering Ltd
  • D&B Mechanical
  • LC Wills Contracts Ltd
  • Portland Stone Ltd
  • Stalbridge Timber
  • GMS
  • DW Roofing
  • Wessex Plumbing and Heating
  • Kitchen Craft
  • NJ Rawlings & Son Ltd.

The project is due for completion in two to three weeks, depending on how much free time the volunteers can donate.

Eleanor said: “I am really grateful and overwhelmed by the help.

“The improvements will give me independence and be a big difference.

“Once downstairs is sorted, I won’t have to go upstairs until the end of the day.”