A WHEELCHAIR-user with cerebral palsy said appearing on DIY SOS transformed her life and ‘saved her from going into care’.
Before going on the BBC One show, which aired last week, Karis Lane lived in Stourbridge with her mum Karen.
Due to the 28-year-old’s condition, Karen looked after Karis full-time but often struggled as she had her own health problems to deal with.
Lifting and carrying Karis up the stairs put a huge strain on the pair, both physically and mentally, exacerbated even further when Karen’s partner was diagnosed with cancer.
Stepping in to save the day was Karis’ older sister Jo and her partner Will who said Karis could move into their Lickey Lane home in Bromsgrove.
However their house was far from being wheelchair-friendly and Jo and Will were often out at work.
Their story attracted the attention of the DIY SOS team who went on to build a two-storey extension at the house last summer.
Specialist company ‘Stiltz’ kindly donated a homelift while the work was being carried out.
Witnessing the transformation, Karis said: “At the touch of a button and with a little bit of pixie dust, I’m elevated from the ground floor into my apartment without needing to be carried up the stairs.
“I feel like a princess riding on my own lift, it is so heavenly.”
Karis now benefits from increased independence which contributes to the well-being of the whole family.
