In Surrey, England, a group of dads with rough hands but soft hearts proved that with a little solidarity, lives can be changed. Under the banner of the Band of Builders charity, these men gave their time, skills, and energy to help another father: 58-year-old Paul Kitterman, who has been confined to a wheelchair for over three years.
Since a spinal abscess turned his life upside down, Paul had been sleeping in the dining room, as he had no bedroom suited to his needs. His wife, Sasha, never stopped hoping for a solution. Moved by her husband’s courage and determined to give him a more dignified life, she contacted Band of Builders — a charity that supports construction workers affected by illness or injury. And so, in the spring of 2025, a human chain came together. Twenty-five volunteer craftsmen — dads, brothers, friends — answered the call. Together, they built an extension to Paul’s home, including a fully accessible bedroom and bathroom, all free of charge.
“The first night in my new bed was the best sleep I’ve had in my life… And the shower! It was like being reborn,” Paul shared, visibly moved. “I’ll never be able to thank everyone enough — those who gave their time, their skills, even the materials… It’s incredible that people would do this for me.”
A touching act of solidarity that breaks through more than just walls and barriers. Behind every hammer strike, every screw placed, lies the brotherhood of fathers who know how challenging the role of a dad can be. This project, valued at nearly $200,000, was funded by donations, partner companies like DeWALT, and above all, by the time generously given by these big-hearted men.
Andrew Little, Carl Hickey, and Stuart Barr — three of the project’s pillars — said their goal was truly to build a space of dignity, autonomy, and above all, love, for a father who truly deserved it.
Toombow Kids salutes these unsung heroes. Fathers who, instead of turning a blind eye to injustice, grab their tools and roll up their sleeves to bring hope. In their own way, they remind us that a father’s strength isn’t measured by what he can lift — but by what he’s willing to carry for others.
