Fifty builders have helped changed the life of a severely disabled man by restoring his front drive so he can get out of the house.

Gordon Hart, from Burgess Hill, struggled to get out of his “rutted and potholed” driveway in his wheelchair since suffering profound brain damage after a heart attack two years ago.

The former bricklayer collapsed in April 2020 and was in intensive care for three months.

The father-of-two is unable to use his arms, hands and legs and also suffers from epilepsy, diabetes and cortical blindness.

The Argus: Gordon Hart surrounded by volunteers who helped rebuild his drivewayGordon Hart surrounded by volunteers who helped rebuild his driveway (Image: BoB)

His partner Sam Horley put out a plea to builder’s charity Band of Builders and nearly 50 tradespeople answered the call.

Sam said: “Band of Builders has gone above and beyond what we were hoping for – which will be life-changing for Pete, as it means I can get him out of the house much easier.

“He was a bricklayer for more than 30 years, so he loves being outdoors. The hard work of everyone who volunteered on this project means we can get him outside to his happy place.

“Thank you is not enough – and we are just so grateful, especially as most of the volunteers didn’t know Pete.” 

It took 11 days to complete the new driveway, side path and rear access.

The Argus: During restoration of their drivewayDuring restoration of their driveway (Image: BoB)

The project was finished on November 12.

Sam secured funding from Mid Sussex District Council to build an extension and remodel the downstairs of their home to include a bedroom and bathroom for Gordon, who is known by most as Pete.

The funding did not include a driveway, so Band of Builders built a new one with parking spaces for Gordon’s carers who visit four times a day.

The Argus: Before the restorationBefore the restoration (Image: BoB)

This was the 28th project that the charity has completed since it was founded in 2016 – enlisting volunteer groundworkers, landscapers, carpenters, electricians and roofers from its community of nearly 50,000 tradespeople and contractors. 

Norfolk-based builder Tony Everett, who has participated in six Band of Builders projects, said: “This was a very straightforward project but will have a hugely beneficial impact on Pete’s quality of life because it will mean that Sam and his girls can take him out for walks or to get out and about.”

The project was funded by Dewalt, the power tool manufacturer.