DIY SOS BRACKNELL REVEAL – Rafi’s Recovery

Until now, Thames Valley Windows has had to be secretive about our involvement in DIY SOS Bracknell, with the transformation that took place at Rafi’s family home in Bracknell.

The reveal of the episode of DIY SOS BRACKNELL was broadcast on Friday, 17th October.

Thames Valley Windows were extremely proud to join the DIY SOS Bracknell team in February and March 2025.

Along with many incredible local companies and volunteers, we were delighted to volunteer to help adapt and transform Rafi’s family home into an accessible living space where he can recover with his family.

So, to start from the beginning, back in January, we spotted a request for help on social media from the BBC DIY SOS Bracknell team looking for the local community of tradespeople and suppliers to carry out the work, donate and install goods at short notice.

The build was to help the family of eight-year-old Rafi, who was left with brain damage after suddenly falling seriously ill and contracting E. coli and Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome (also called HUS).

We were extremely proud to join the DIY SOS team and many incredible volunteers to help transform Rafi’s home into a safe and accessible space where he can be with his family—right where he belongs.

The challenge was to adapt the family home to meet Rafi’s complex needs, which would assist with his recovery so he would not have to return to the rehabilitation centre away from his family.

After an open trade day in February, and with the help of our manufacturer, Arkay, we could offer our services and install a large flat roof light for the new extension.

Two of our installers, Jon and Sid, arrived at the family home on 10th March to install the large Infini light Aluminium Flat Glazed Roof Light.

Friday night came, and we watched DIY SOS BRACKNELL REVEAL. The families’ circumstances really hit home, and Thames Valley Windows was so pleased that we were able to help, and the flat roof light we donated and installed looked brilliant. It allows lots of natural light to flood the living space.

Rafi and his family were very grateful for the generosity of local tradespeople, suppliers, and volunteers who transformed their home. This transformation would allow them to keep Rafi at home, support his recovery, and finally have some family time together again.

We wish Rafi and his family all the best. Since moving into the transformed family home in March, Rafi’s recovery has improved “massively.”

If you want to donate to Rafi’s recovery, his family has set up a GoFundMe account.

The episode should still be available on the BBC iPlayer, so why not take a look!

DIY SOS is the BBC’s award-winning home renovation programme, attracting up to 5 million viewers per episode. It is presented by Nick Knowles and his team of Billy, Mark, Chris, Gaby, Radha, and Ashley and has been showing on BBC One for over 20 years.

Photo credit: BBC One & DIY SOS.