A cancer victim who was in need of a helping hand to renovate her home found a friend in Rathbone Bury.

Half a dozen construction trainees from our Brierley Street base plastered Debra Hall’s walls for next to nothing after local builders quoted her hundreds of pounds to do the job. Living in a positive environment is very important for Debra who was diagnosed with breast cancer last May. And given that she has been on long-term sick, keeping costs down is also pivotal.

Rathbone trainee, Carl Smith working on Debra Hall’s kitchen

Debra heard about Rathbone after local newspapers celebrated their female brickies in a number of articles. Working in Debra’s abode was a wonderful opportunity for the trainees to showcase their talents and learn to meet deadlines. For learners such as Grant Piggott (17) doing their bit for someone living with a serious illness was really rewarding, too. “I lost a mate of mine to Leukaemia” said Grant, “He was only 18. He had it for most of his life and you really have to help people in that position.”

Former credit controller Debra was delighted with the lads’ efforts. “It’s been an uplifting experience” said Debra, “now all I need to do is choose a colour for the walls – and persuade my husband to paint them!”