Transformation of mouldy Swindon home revealed with owner overwhelmed

A weeks-long DIY SOS-style scheme has been underway since Janet Reynolds and Sandra Kennelly learned that their friend - known as 'Mary' as she does not want her real identity to be published – was living in a flooded, mouldy, rat-infested bungalow with a gas leak, faulty electrics, and no hot water.

An immense effort led by Brendan O’Neill of Emerald Damp Proofing involved ripping out and replacing all the walls, floors, wires, and ceilings as scores of companies donated their time, money and resources to the good cause.

'Mary' (left) returned to her home for the first time in a month after kindhearted Swindonians rallied to fix all the issues that made it uninhabitable (Image: Sandra Kennelly)

‘Mary’ has been staying with Janet since mid-November and the team had hoped to get her settled back at her home by Christmas, but there is still lots more that needs to be done before that can happen.

However, Mary did get a chance to visit the property for the first time in 30 days to see the amazing transformation it has undergone.

Sandra said: “I let her know, in a nutshell, what had to happen due to the severity of the damp and mould, to prepare her for what she was about to see.

“To say she was overwhelmed is an understatement.

“She was speechless as she took in all the refurbishment works that had been completed so far.

“At the same time, she met with Brendan - who she hasn’t seen since day one - and met with Becca Weston, who was responsible for the installation of the central heating system and the installation of the kitchen from Howdens.

“Mary absolutely loves her new kitchen. She was delighted and couldn’t say enough how grateful she was and how amazing it all is.”

Mary's house has been transformed by kindhearted Swindonians (Image: Sandra Kennelly)

To donate to the fundraising page, which is covering the costs of the materials and work, visit www.gofundme.com/f/cpyrq-helping-mary

Sandra added: “Brendan continues to be an absolute stalwart and is just unstoppable in his commitment to get Mary’s house finished, co-ordinating all the works - a list as long as your arm.

“Janet is working full time and is down the house every night doing the graft that needs doing to keep this on track.”

As a surprise Christmas gift, Year 6 pupils at Holy Cross Catholic Primary School created a scrapbook full of colourful drawings and kind words for Mary after hearing of her plight.

Sandra added: “Mary took her time looking at each drawing and reading each letter. She was overwhelmed with outpouring of love and concern for her. She was very touched.”