02 July 2023 , 15:34
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A team of builders joined forces to adapt the home of a 10-year-old boy who lost his arms and legs to a rare illness for free.
The tradesmen stepped in to help Luke Mortimer who became a quad-amputee after being struck down with meningococcal meningitis.
The severe bacterial infection quickly spread around his body in 2019 and he lost 50% of his skin, spending five months in hospital.
He later moved to a bungalow that his dad, Adam Mortimer, had begun to transform for his needs, before he reached out to charity Band of Builders for a helping hand.
The team have already fitted a new shower room, underfloor heating and wood flooring.
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
The kind-hearted builders renovated the home for freeThey hope to finish the project this week, but Luke said he was overwhelmed by the progress the made in just a few days. Dad Adam, a builder by trade, said: “I can’t believe how fast things have happened. I am looking forward to thanking and hugging everyone at the end.
“The Band of Builders have been absolutely amazing, giving up their time and working long hours to keep the project on track. Luke is ecstatic that his room is now boarded and plastered and is planning the colour scheme. He, as usual, charmed all the builders.”
Luke Mortimer with his family during the renovation (BandofBuilders/AdamMortimer/SWNS)Luke, previously a keen rugby player for Skipton RFC in North Yorks, was just seven when he became ill.
He endured endless sessions of physio and rehab, while always wearing his trademark beaming smile.
He later learned to walk – and run – on prosthetic legs, with fundraisers helping him buy his first robotic “hero” arms so he can do more for himself.