DIY SOS transforms home of girl with rare condition

The show's presenter, Nick Knowles, told the family the news that would change their lives

When eight-year-old Isla returns to her home, it will be completely transformed to help her live with a rare genetic bone condition.

Isla, from Aylestone in Leicester, was born with mandibuloacral dysplasia, which makes her bones brittle and causes her to age prematurely.

Mum Stacey says Isla struggles with her mobility, general independence around the house and has difficulty reaching door handles and light switches.

But now all that is to change after the BBC home renovation programme DIY SOS arrived to "move islands for Isla" - equipping the property with everything she needs to make her life more comfortable.

The transmission date for the episode featuring Isla and her family is yet to be confirmed

The DIY SOS team said it received more than 1,000 volunteer applications to help renovate Isla's semi-detached home - a near record-breaking figure for the show.

On Wednesday, the team descended on Isla's home with 160 volunteers to start the project.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leicester, her mother Stacey said: "It already has changed our lives. I have that peace of mind knowing Isla's needs will be met when we go back into that house."

With their living conditions posing many challenges for the family, Stacey said she had wanted to make changes to the house since Isla was a baby.

"The only bathroom is upstairs, which can be hard to reach if she's tired, and she struggles to reach door handles and light switches," said Stacey.

In August, Leicester-based Community Wishes gave Isla's garden a makeover

The family has asked the DIY SOS team for a downstairs bathroom, lower light switches, lower door handles and extra handrails up the stairs, so Isla can be more independent.

Stacey said she would not have the money or knowledge to do the work herself, "so these guys are amazing to complete it all in eight days".

"When we found out it was happening, we all cried with joy," said Stacey.

"A couple of weeks later, the news was posted on social media, and it just blew up.

"The amount of support that was shown to us was so overwhelming, but so beautiful as well.

"With her condition, she is the only person in the world with this mutation, and I think people just see Isla for how special she is and her massive character," said Stacey.

Knowles and his team have helped inspire many community projects like Band of Builders and Hull for Heroes

Ian Hodgkinson, DIY SOS project manager, said a "village of people" were already cracking on with the job.

"I've been project managing for three years at DIY SOS, and it still never ceases to amaze me; it takes my breath away, to be honest," said Mr Hodgkinson.

He said the DIY SOS team completed a month's worth of work in a day.

"We will be moving islands for Isla, there's no doubt about that," he said.

"It's tight, and there's a hell of a lot to do, but we are in it together, and we will overcome adversity.

"Ultimately, it's the only TV show where we can leave a legacy, and I walk away proud as punch, and being involved is an absolute privilege."

Isla has been enjoying hotel life whilst her house gets renovated by the DIY SOS team

"Our whole lives have been moved to a hotel while this whole exciting thing happens," said Stacey.

Isla has been "loving" hotel life, as she is able to have as many pancakes as she likes.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Isla asked Gabby, the designer, to put a pancake maker in the house when we move back in," said Stacey.

In a message to the DIY SOS team, Stacey said: "Thank you will never be enough for everything everyone is offering and doing for us.

"Just know that this is changing our lives, and we are beyond appreciative of it."