A group of Manchester based King Sturge employees recently undertook their very own version of Challenge Anneka/Grand Designs/60 Minutes(ish) Makeover when they redecorated from top to bottom (and back again) a disabled child's home in Rochdale.

The child in question is Akeel, an 8yr old suffering from autism, global development delay and whose illnesses have resulted in him being tube fed. Akeel is cared for full time by his Mum who neither has the time or finances to repair their home which was in need of much redecoration before a sterling effort over 2 days from the King Sturge team. Work involved painting the living room, siblings' room, and Akeel's room along with replacing carpets and putting up a new bed for Akeel.

Although tough work, light relief was provided by Stephen Woodford attending proceedings in his cut-off denim short shorts and Richard Johnson's permanent builder's bum (photos on request from Claire Wooldridge).

In addition to the elbow grease provided, donations totalling £600 were raised for Well Child the supporting charity. Thanks to Manchester Glass Ltd for their generous donation, Dulux for donating paint and Akeel's Mum for serving up some of the finest samosas this author has ever had the privilege to eat.