Family set to be filmed for DIY SOS launch appeal to bring 13-year-old son home
Dan Flemen's life drastically changed after he began experiencing flu-like symptoms in November 2022.
This turned out to be a sign of a severe brain tumour.
Dan went from being an active teenager volunteering at church to needing constant care after a stroke left him with severe disabilities.
He is now non-verbal, cannot sit unaided, requires night-time ventilation support, and needs round-the-clock care.
Dan has had to stay in hospital since his diagnosis (Image: Supplied)
Due to the extensively specialised care Dan now requires, his family home no longer meets the requirements for his needs.
His house in Freckleton, Lancashire, is not accessible, meaning that Dan has had to stay in hospital since his diagnosis in November 2022.
Dan's mum, Julie, has moved into hospital accommodation to be close to her son, while his dad, Nigel, and two sisters travel more than 50 miles to be with him.
The renovations required to transform the family home into a safe and suitable environment for Dan include a private accessible bedroom, an adapted bathroom, facilities for full-time care and a suitable social space.
Getting these changes made quickly and under budget means Dan can be with his family as soon as the work is finished.
However, these renovations are far beyond the family's means.
Good news has come in the form of a community effort.
READ MORE:
Pictures: Scooter rally returns as crowds enjoy ride-in and live music
Why Darwen's Mill & Yarn deserves your vote in best barbers contest
Ian McKellen 'holds back tears' after appearing at Glastonbury with Scissor Sisters
The BBC's DIY SOS series has stepped up and will air the family's journey, with filming in Freckleton scheduled from July 16 to 23.
Contributions have also come from the automotive industry charity, Ben, and the local authority is also offering support.
However, volunteers and contributions are still needed.
If you would like to donate, more information can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/DanielFlemen
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Folkestone Pride 'most exciting and diverse' yet
Folkestone Pride takes place in the town on Saturday, with organisers promising it will be "the most exciting and diverse yet". The event begins with a parade through the town, starting at the bottom of the Old High Street at 13:00 BST. It will continue along Sandgate Road and onto the Leas, where entertainment will take place on the bandstand between 14:00 and 18:00 BST. The after party, being held at the Leas Cliff Hall, has already sold out. Organisers said the day will be "family friendly, filled with love, music and unapologetic joy", with "unforgettable performances and a community that celebrates every colour of the rainbow". The afternoon event on the Leas will feature drag artists, DJs and a Kylie Minogue tribute act. Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. More on this story Reading Pride returns amid financial pressures Bath Pride: What you need to know Birmingham Pride to return to city's Gay Village Thousands defy rain to celebrate Pride festival Pride in London 2025: Thousands watch parade Glasgow streets awash with colour for Pride march Related internet links Folkestone Pride
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Gregg Wallace defends John Torode
Gregg Wallace has defended his former MasterChef co-star John Torode after they were both sacked by the BBC. A report into the TV show upheld an allegation of an "extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace", with John, 60, later identifying himself as the individual alleged to have used racist language in 2018 or 2019. On July 15, the corporation announced that John's contract would not be renewed although Torode has denied using a racist word and said he has "no recollection" of using racist language. Gregg, 60, told The Sun newspaper: "I'll tell you one thing right now: John Torode is not a racist. "I've known John for 30 years and he is not a racist. 'And as evidence of that, I'll show you the incredible diversity of the people that he has championed, MasterChef winners, over the years. "There is no way that man is a racist. No way. And my sympathies go out to John because I don't want anybody to go through what I've been through.' Gregg was also sacked by the BBC after the investigation into his alleged inappropriate behaviour was released, with 45 out of 83 allegations substantiated, including claims of inappropriate sexual language, humour, and one reported incident of "unwelcome physical contact". And, while Gregg has admitted he made mistakes, he denied the allegations against him. He said: 'I'm not saying I'm not guilty of stuff, but so much has been perceived incorrectly. Things that really hurt me and hurt my family.'
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Oasis electrify Wembley as Gallagher brothers make triumphant return to London
Tens of thousands of Oasis fans descended on Wembley as the Gallagher brothers reunited for their first live show in the capital in 16 and Noel Gallagher returned to London for the first time since their dramatic split in 2009 when they performed in front of 90,000 Adidas-clad fans in one of the most anticipated gigs of the year in the capital on Friday.