Ben, the automotive industry charity, is asking for the automotive community to support a family who are set to be filmed on DIY SOS in July. Ben is appealing for volunteers and donations to help bring a family’s beloved 13‑year‑old son, Dan Flemen, home.
Dan, who was an active and sociable teenager, started experiencing flu-like symptoms in November 2022. His life was irrevocably changed when his symptoms worsened, he became dizzy and was rushed to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. There, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Following emergency surgery, he suffered a stroke and now faces severe disabilities – he is non-verbal, can’t sit unaided, needs night-time ventilation support and requires 24‑hour care.
Since his diagnosis on 6th November 2022, Dan has been unable to return home, remaining hospitalised for over two and a half years as his family struggles with the day-to-day reality of living apart. Dan’s mother, Julie, has been living in hospital accommodation to be by his side, while his father, Nigel, who works for APL vehicle services, and two sisters travel over 50 miles from Freckleton, Lancashire, to be with them.
Dan was an active and sociable teenager, a Cub and Scout, school council member, church volunteer, sports enthusiast, palaeontology buff and Manchester City supporter. Though non-verbal, he responds to familiar faces with smiles, and recent small improvements in his condition have given renewed hope. Dan is known in his local area as a cheerful, sociable and ambitious teenager.
The family home is not currently wheelchair-friendly and doesn’t have the space to accommodate Dan’s complex needs. To bring Dan back home, they need:
- A private, accessible bedroom
- Adapted bathroom
- Facilities for full-time care
- Social space to reconnect with family and friends.
The renovation costs are far beyond the family’s means. The family will appear on the BBC’s DIY SOS series, with filming scheduled in Freckleton, Lancashire, from 16th to 23rd July. The show will contribute to the work. However, contributions and volunteers are still vital.
Get involved – help bring Dan home
- Volunteers and tradespeople
DIY SOS invites general volunteers for decorating, but also skilled electricians, plumbers, decorators, joiners, and suppliers of materials to support the team between 16th-23rd July. To offer support, contact: DIYSOSPreston@southshore.uk. - Financial support
Every donation brings Dan closer to a home that meets his needs: https://www.gofundme.com/f/DanFlemen
Nigel Flemen, Dan’s dad, said: “Our little family has always been very close, and the thought that Dan may never be able to come home is something we can’t consider or think about, it’s too devastating. That’s why we are asking for help. Dan needs to come home, where he belongs, with all of his family. We feel this would aid his recovery, mental health and quality of life.
“We are reaching out for help because we believe in the power of community. With your support, we can transform our home into a place where Dan can be surrounded by the love and care he needs and deserves. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to bringing Dan home. Thank you.”
When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.
About Ben
Ben is the charity dedicated to supporting the people of the automotive industry, providing support for life for them and their family dependents.
Ben supports individuals to navigate through life’s challenges, empowering them to make positive, lasting change. Ben works with people to improve their lives by enhancing their health and wellbeing through its free and confidential online self-help, helpline and support services.
Ben provides life-changing support to those facing crisis as well as helping them prevent crisis. Ben’s support empowers people to be more in control of managing their health and wellbeing to help them live well, think well, feel well and work well. Ben’s support is tailored and relevant to the needs of the individual, based on a wide range of support options and addressing every aspect of a person’s life.
Visit www.ben.org.uk.
