Britain’s kindest tradesman is leading an army of volunteers to refurbish a home after a fatal blaze.
Austyn Mcilvenna began the project after Barrie Green, 75, lost his partner of 37 years on Christmas Eve.
Vera Brewer started a chip pan blaze when Barrie went out for 20 minutes to a GP’s appointment.
He returned to find paramedics trying to resuscitate Vera, 73, on the pavement. She died from smoke inhalation.
On top of the loss, Barrie, who had no insurance, had to fix his home of 50 years.
He contacted Austyn to buy new windows – triggering a chain of events that mirror the BBC makeover show DIY SOS which gives free labour to deserving projects.
Austyn, 45, said: “Barrie only called for a quote but ended up crying and telling me the whole story.
@I was choked up and when I told my wife she suggested we help.”
Austyn offered to fit windows and doors worth £5,000 for free at Barrie’s three-bed in Mansfield, Notts, and made a Facebook appeal for help.
Austyn offered to fit windows and doors worth £5,000 for free at Barrie’s three-bed in Mansfield, Notts, and made a Facebook appeal for help.
Austyn, who raised £3,000 in five days, said: “The response has been staggering.
“Firms agreed to fit a kitchen and a bathroom for nothing. Decorators offered to do the walls. A plumber is coming.”
Barrie’s son Darren Green said: “Dad is astonished. We can’t thank Austyn enough.”
