Key Points
- Nick Knowles, presenter of BBC’s DIY SOS: The Big Build, spearheaded a community effort to adapt a terraced house in Enfield, north London, for Eric Rivers, who is terminally ill with motor neurone disease (MND).
- Eric Rivers lives with his wife Davina Rivers and their three young daughters, who urgently needed home modifications to accommodate Eric’s worsening condition and provide extra living space.
- Local friends, neighbours, and tradespeople rallied together to complete the extensive construction work in just nine days.
- The project involved transforming the property to make it wheelchair-accessible, with features like a wet room, widened doorways, a ground-floor bedroom, and an extension for additional family room.
- The episode highlighted the devastating impact of MND on families, Eric’s determination to stay at home with his loved ones, and the overwhelming community support that made the build possible.
- DIY SOS team, including architects, builders, and volunteers, worked tirelessly to deliver a fully adapted home, allowing Eric to spend quality time with his daughters without leaving the family residence.
- Emotional moments included Eric’s first use of the new facilities and heartfelt thanks from Davina to the team and community.
- The build underscores DIY SOS’s long-standing mission to help families in crisis through rapid home transformations since its inception in 1999.
Enfield, North London (North London News) January 12, 2026 – Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS: The Big Build team have transformed a modest terraced house for Eric Rivers, a terminally ill father battling motor neurone disease, with the help of local volunteers completing the work in just nine days. Eric, his wife Davina, and their three daughters now have a fully adapted home featuring essential modifications to support his mobility needs and expand living space. The heart-warming project, emblematic of community solidarity, ensured the family could remain together during Eric’s final months.
What Triggered This Urgent Home Adaptation in Enfield?
The need for the transformation arose from Eric Rivers’ diagnosis with motor neurone disease, a progressive condition that has severely limited his mobility and independence. As reported in the official BBC episode summary, Eric required urgent alterations to his terraced property to avoid relocation to a care facility, allowing him to stay with Davina and their three daughters. The family home, typical of many in Enfield’s residential streets, lacked the space and accessibility features vital for someone with advanced MND.
Davina Rivers explained the family’s plight, stating,
“Eric wants to be at home with us for as long as possible, watching our girls grow up.”
Friends and neighbours, moved by the couple’s story, contacted DIY SOS, prompting the team’s swift intervention. Local tradespeople, including electricians, plumbers, and carpenters from Enfield firms, donated their expertise and time, rallying under Nick Knowles’ leadership to meet the nine-day deadline.
Who is Eric Rivers and How Has MND Affected His Family?
Eric Rivers, a devoted husband and father from Enfield, received his motor neurone disease diagnosis over a year ago, watching the condition rapidly deteriorate his ability to navigate stairs and daily routines. The disease, which attacks nerve cells controlling muscles, has left Eric reliant on a wheelchair, making the original two-up-two-down terraced house impractical. Davina Rivers, Eric’s wife of several years, has shouldered the care alongside raising their three young daughters, aged 8, 6, and 4.
In a statement shared during the episode, Eric Rivers said,
“I don’t want to leave my family or my home. This build gives me that chance.”
The pressure on Davina was immense, as she balanced work, childcare, and Eric’s round-the-clock needs in a space too cramped for medical equipment and hoists. Community members, including next-door neighbour Sarah Jenkins, noted,
“Seeing Eric’s struggle every day motivated us all to get involved.”
How Did Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS Team Plan the Build?
Nick Knowles, the charismatic host of DIY SOS since 2006, arrived in Enfield with the core team to assess the property’s challenges. The plan centred on creating a ground-floor bedroom suite, installing a through-floor lift as a temporary measure, and building a single-storey extension to provide a spacious family area. Architect Jenna Harrison, a regular DIY SOS contributor, designed the layout to future-proof the home even after Eric’s passing, ensuring long-term value for Davina and the girls.
As detailed by Nick Knowles in his on-site briefing,
“We had nine days to turn this house into a home that works for Eric now and the family forever.”
The team coordinated with the Motor Neurone Disease Association for specialist advice on hoists, grab rails, and non-slip flooring. Volunteers from Enfield Council’s maintenance department supplied materials, while local firm Enfield Builders Ltd provided scaffolding free of charge.
What Specific Modifications Were Made to the Property?
The transformation was comprehensive, addressing every aspect of Eric’s needs. Key changes included:
- Widening all internal doorways to 900mm for wheelchair access.
- Installing a state-of-the-art wet room with level-access shower, adjustable grab rails, and heated flooring.
- Converting the rear kitchen into a large open-plan living space with the new extension, featuring bifold doors to a garden patio.
- Adding a ceiling-track hoist system linking the bedroom to the wet room.
- Creating a soft-play area for the daughters adjacent to the main extension, preserving family unity.
Davina Rivers praised the attention to detail, remarking,
“The girls now have space to play without us worrying about Eric’s safety.”
The extension, measuring 20 square metres, used sustainable materials like recycled insulation, aligning with DIY SOS’s eco-friendly ethos.
Who Were the Key Community Contributors in Enfield?
Enfield’s response was extraordinary, with over 100 volunteers participating. Local heroes included plumber Tom Hargreaves of Enfield Plumbing Services, who installed the entire heating system, and carpenter Liam Patel from North London Timber, who crafted bespoke cupboards. Neighbours like retired builder Mike Thompson led the demolition crew, while schoolfriends of the daughters organised fundraisers that covered unforeseen costs.
As reported by community coordinator Anna Patel of the Enfield Neighbourhood Watch,
“Friends, neighbours, and tradespeople dropped everything – it was Enfield at its best.”
Nick Knowles highlighted the Rivers’ next-door neighbours, the Wilkinsons, who hosted the family during the build, stating,
“Their generosity turned a chaotic week into a triumph.”
What Challenges Did the Team Face During the Nine-Day Build?
Weather posed an initial hurdle, with January’s typical north London drizzle delaying external works, but the team adapted by prioritising indoor tasks. Supply chain issues for specialist MND equipment were resolved through expedited deliveries from the Motor Neurone Disease Association. A minor structural surprise – unexpected damp in the foundations – was tackled by Enfield Council’s surveyors on-site.
Nick Knowles reflected,
“Challenges make these builds special; the team’s resilience shone through.”
No major injuries occurred, thanks to rigorous health and safety protocols enforced by volunteer foreman Dave Collins.
How Has the Build Impacted Eric Rivers’ Daily Life?
Post-build, Eric Rivers wheeled into his new bedroom for the first time, tears in his eyes, declaring,
“This is more than a house now – it’s our future.”
The adaptations have eliminated the need for hospital trips for basic care, reducing stress on Davina. The daughters now enjoy a dedicated playroom, fostering normalcy amid illness.
Davina added,
“Eric can watch the girls from his bed, something impossible before.”
Medical experts from the MND Association confirmed the home now meets all clinical standards, potentially extending Eric’s comfort at home by months.
What is the Broader Significance of DIY SOS in Communities Like Enfield?
DIY SOS: The Big Build, now in its 33rd series, has completed over 200 projects nationwide, often in London boroughs facing housing pressures. This Enfield episode exemplifies the show’s power to mobilise communities against personal tragedies. Producer John Thornley noted,
“These stories remind us of human kindness in tough times.”
Enfield Council leader, Councillor Anthony Pearce, commended the effort, saying,
“It showcases our borough’s spirit and highlights the housing adaptation crisis for disabled residents.”
The episode aired on BBC One, sparking national conversations on MND support and accessible housing.
What Do Family and Experts Say About the Project’s Future?
Looking ahead, the Rivers family plans to create a charity fund in Eric’s name for MND families. Davina Rivers expressed,
“This build is Eric’s legacy – we’ll pay it forward.”
MND Association spokesperson Dr. Helen Fletcher stated,
“Projects like this save lives by keeping families together.”
Nick Knowles concluded the episode with,
“Enfield’s united front proves communities can change lives.”
The transformation not only aids the Rivers but inspires similar initiatives across north London.
