A Kennington woman with osteoarthritis has showered volunteers from a national construction charity with thanks after they installed a new shower in her bathroom – rather than having to join a three-year waiting list for her local authority to do it.
Claudette Jacobs (known to everyone as CJ) spent her career working in both private- and public-sector housing in and around London before she was forced to give up work in late 2023 after being diagnosed with chronic osteoarthritis. Because she struggles with her mobility – including getting in and out of the bath – CJ asked her local council about installing an electric shower but was told she had to join the waiting list, and as she received universal credit, she could not afford to get it installed herself.
In a desperate plea for help, CJ contacted Band of Builders (BoB) – a registered charity that completes practical projects to help members of the UK construction industry and their families who are battling illness or injury – and two volunteers installed the electric shower, which was generously donated by Triton. In a message of thanks entitled ‘A Shower of Thanks: Band of Builders Transforms Lives’, CJ expressed her heartfelt gratitude to BoB.
“An incredible team of tradespeople recently completed a life-changing project in my home,” she said. “My local authority had informed me of a staggering three-year wait for a basic shower installation. Given my physical limitations, this delay was simply unacceptable. I was unable to step into a bath and was forced to rely on the kindness of friends and neighbours for daily showers. This situation had a significant impact on my quality of life, both physically and emotionally.
“Band of Builders stepped in to provide a swift and efficient solution. Their team of skilled professionals arrived promptly, worked diligently and completed the shower installation with precision and care. The tradespeople were not only highly competent but also incredibly polite and respectful. Their professionalism and dedication were truly commendable.
“Thanks to Band of Builders, I can now enjoy the simple pleasure of a daily shower in the privacy of my own home. This seemingly small change has made a profound difference to my well-being and independence. I am eternally grateful for their generosity and compassion.”
CJ’s story
CJ has worked on construction and renovation projects in and around London – as well as further afield in areas such as Brighton – since the early 1980s. All these projects have one thing in common: they have been focused on making sure the housing stock is of a high standard and the surrounding areas are safe and enjoyable spaces for tenants and residents. She has pioneered innovative resident participation programmes and has recently played a crucial role in implementing new fire regulations for high-rise flats.
She has had circulatory issues since she was a child – including Raynaud’s phenomenon, which is a condition that means she has cold hands and feet. This is especially challenging each winter.
She has lived with osteoarthritis for more than 20 years – and has combatted it by exercising and keeping active. It has got noticeably worse since lockdown, as she was unable to go out regularly and undertake exercise routines and physio appointments to alleviate some symptoms. On top of this, working from home, putting on weight, and the stresses of financial and family issues may have contributed to her getting fibromyalgia on top of her osteoarthritis.
In 2023, her diagnosis was classified as chronic, as she suffers from herniated discs, bilateral exposed nerves and osteoarthritis in her hips and knees. She struggles to get around and now uses crutches. This is the 39th project completed by the charity – which saw two volunteers visit CJ’s home over the weekend to install the shower.
“We’re delighted to have had the opportunity to support Band of Builders with their latest project. At Triton, we believe in empowering communities and improving lives through our products, so working with Band of Builders to provide a reliable, high-quality shower solution was a natural fit. The dedication of their team aligns closely with our values, and we’re proud to play a role in making a positive impact on those who need it most.”
Neil Wilson, Senior Marketing Manager at Triton.
For further information on Band of Builders click here
Band of Builders also organises the Big Brew, an annual event to raise awareness of the mental health crisis in the construction industry – where the suicide rate is estimated to be as high as two people every day. UK construction workers are also nearly three times as likely to die by suicide than their counterparts in other industries.
