A 16-year-old boy has returned to his family home in Freckleton, Lancashire, after the BBC's DIY SOS team completed major adaptations for his complex disabilities.
Dan had spent nearly three years at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital following a life-saving operation to remove a brain tumour at age 13 and a subsequent stroke.
The family home needed wheelchair access improvements and other changes before he could leave hospital and receive nighttime ventilation at home.
A Complex Build for a Family in Need
The DIY SOS project involved extending and adapting the property, with the programme describing it as one of its most complex builds.
The construction work included removing and replacing the roof on the first day.
Volunteers from the village and surrounding areas supported the project so Dan could return home.
Dan's father, Nigel, said the experience reminded him of the support available from others after the family's difficult period.
"When your life is turned upside down you have to learn to live again," said Nigel.
Nigel said he and Dan's mother Julie had divided their time between their Lancashire home and the hospital in Manchester while waiting for Dan's return.
"We actually had a Christmas together in our own home and had people round," said Nigel.
The completed house allowed the family to spend time together in Freckleton after Dan had remained in hospital because the original property could not meet his needs.
"We were so pleased," said Nigel.
Nigel also described the family's return to their community after the home improvements.
"Where we belong," said Nigel.
"The experience was humbling," said Nigel.
Nigel said the project showed the wider community's willingness to help families facing difficult circumstances.
"There are a lot of good people out there," said Nigel.
Dan said he was now living in the adapted property with his family and described his progress after moving home.
"Thriving," said Dan.
