A Glasgow man left hospitalised for a year after a horror car crash will finally be able to enjoy his garden thanks to help from a national construction charity.
Andy Dickson, from Lennoxtown, was involved in a near-fatal car accident in October 2014, leaving him with extensive injuries including a crushed hip and pelvis, as well as breaking all of his ribs and causing internal injuries.
The 56-year-old, who worked as clerk of works and inspector with Glasgow District Council after starting his career as a joiner, suffered multiple complications following the crash which led to him being hospitalised for a year, enduring 26 operations, pneumonia and septic shock.
Andy, who has been admitted to intensive care several times, still needs further surgery for ongoing complications and has been left unable to finish several jobs at the home he shares with wife Pamela and their sons Steven, 26, and Craig, 22.
National construction charity Band of Builders is now stepping in to help the family, finishing off the jobs that Andy can’t and making the family’s home safe and accessible for him, as well as making it possible for him to enjoy his garden.
From August 5th, a team of volunteer tradespeople from across the country will travel to Lennoxtown to spend three days carrying out jobs including: levelling and re-laying the lawn; creating a small patio area; relaying flooring in the kitchen and installing a ramp from the back garden into the kitchen in case it is needed in the future. They will also install a shed and carry out electrical works that are needed.
Andy’s wife Pamela said: “Andy had always worked all his days, starting off as a joiner and working his way up to clerk of works and inspector with Glasgow District Council. This accident has affected him emotionally and physically – he is always the first to help people, be it neighbours, family or friends and now that he can’t he is struggling to accept that he just isn’t fit enough or able to do this anymore.
“Things are still so uncertain for us, but just having some help to finish off these jobs will make a huge difference and means a lot to us.”
Band of Builders is a registered charity that helps members of the UK construction industry battling illness or injury through the completion of practical projects. The charity is backed by major names within the construction industry, including DeWalt, Jewson, Talasey and Gibbs & Dandy.
Band of Builders chairman of trustees Gavin Crane said: “Helping people when they need us is at the heart of what Band of Builders does. Andy is someone who is used to helping others, but it’s time for him and his family to get some help from others.
“We’re hoping that by helping finish off some of the jobs that Andy can’t, we’ll take a small weight off and help create a safe, enjoyable space for him and his family. We’re always looking for more volunteers, especially if they’re local, and any local companies who want to support with materials, accommodation or food and drink for our team, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch on info@bandofbuilders.org if you want to get involved in some way.”
