Man keen for 'dignity and privacy' in new bedroom

Paul Kitterman was rushed to hospital in October 2021

A man left paralysed from the waist down and currently sleeping in a hospital bed in his old dining room says it will be "amazing" to have a new bedroom and bathroom installed by a builders' charity.

Paul Kitterman, from Addlestone, Surrey, was rushed to hospital in October 2021 for an operation on his spine, having also contracted sepsis and pneumonia.

He first noticed having a bad back one day at work, which turned out to be a spinal abscess.

Of his current sleeping arrangements, he told BBC Radio Surrey: "It's only separated from the kitchen by some curtains. There's no dignity, there's no privacy."

Band of Builders will complete the work in Mr Kitterman's home

Now back at home, he is waiting for Band of Builders to begin work on fitting a ground floor bedroom and bathroom.

Mr Kitterman's wife Sasha contacted the charity while he was still in hospital and said the couple were "lucky" that it agreed to help.

The charity supports construction workers and their families, with all jobs delivered by volunteer tradespeople.

"Having a bathroom will be a great bonus, and a bedroom," said Mr Kitterman, who works at a dedicated builders' merchant serving the Pinewood and Shepperton film and TV studios.

"To be able to sleep behind a door rather than a curtain will be amazing."

Helping to change a life

Band of Builders CEO Gavin Crane said the schedule for work on Mr Kitterman's home had been delayed because at the last minute people were unable to volunteer.

The project is due to begin on Tuesday, and Mr Crane said the team was keen to improve the quality of Mr Kitterman's life and access to his home.

Calling for more volunteers to come forward and offer their time to the charity, Mr Crane said the projects would not be possible without people giving up their time, skills and effort.

"You create new friends, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you've helped change a life," he added.

Mr Kitterman said those around him had been "amazing" since his time in hospital.

"Human kindness is unbelievable," he added.

"You don't realise until you need it and people come and help you."