Renovation dream made possible for disabled six-year-old and her family

A roofing firm has come to the aid of an Eastbourne family to help their six-year-old daughter who requires 24-hour care.
By Juliet Mead
Published 16th Apr 2021, 11:13 BST
Updated 16th Apr 2021, 11:27 BST
Betsy SUS-210415-101258001Betsy SUS-210415-101258001
Betsy SUS-210415-101258001

Betsy Pickett was diagnosed with autism at an early age. She lives with Sarah and Paul, her mum and dad, and her sisters, Millie, Eva and Izzy, who is also on the spectrum.

Sadly Betsy has now lost all spoken language and is losing some motor skills too. She can no longer play with toys or communicate her needs. Even small things she could do before like blowing bubbles, she is now unable to do.

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Betsy requires 24-hour care and attends a special school but spends lots of her time in the conservatory in the family home, which has a leaking roof and minimal space for Betsy to relax, play her interactive games and operate her pushchair.

The conservatory is also home to the family’s fridge/freezer and dining table, along with being the access point for Izzy’s bedroom too.

Mum Sarah Scott said: “The room is cold and damp and there is just not enough room to manoeuvre in.

“With six of us in house, it’s a bit of a squeeze”.

Paul, Betsy’s dad, met Jason Macgowan, owner of Eco Roofing SE and they hit it off. Jason has now put together a campaign, along with Betsy’s mum Sarah, to organise the installation of a new conservatory roof to ensure the room is warm all year round.

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The project is planned to start next month following support from other firms in the town. The fundraiser, which has raised a further £1,515 to help pay for the work can be found here.

Sarah added: “We are very fortunate that we are receiving help from the wonderful Eco Roofs, who have sourced and donated materials from very kind suppliers and are undertaking the work and planning of an eco roof that will enable the room to be used all year round. This will benefit Betsy and us as a family hugely by allowing us room to give Betsy the sensory and practical space she so desperately needs.”

Individuals and building firms across the town have helped. Jason from Eco Roofing said: A massive shout out goes out to them for supporting such a good cause.”

Lawsons, Tapco Slates, Edge Building Products, 1st Class Windows, Aaron Withall, Zed Aga of Paramount Heating Solutions and Domsalla Builders have all supported the project. A recent Easter fundraiser by Don and Abby McPhee has also raised £800 for the project.