The project finally begun in February 2010 and as had been the theme along the build a lot of the offers of support never materialised. However one person came forward who integral to the build and there is not enough praise available for Paul Burr a local bricklayer from Billingham. Paul was out of work and happy to get involved as much as he could with the project. Paul happily joined in with the digging by hand of the foundations alongside a small group of volunteers.
At this time Michael Burgum had already begun pulling in close to 40 years’ worth of house building experience to gain materials, labour and support from the project. The construction has had a hard time recently like most of the economy with many companies really struggling. However many long standing contacts of Mick’s were happy to support the project. This begun with Alex Cowan Groundworks supplying the concrete for the foundations and floor slab.
The extension seemed to at times ground to a halt whilst the team attempted to pull together the required materials and labour but slowly but surely the project was progressing. It took a lot of people giving up a lot of time to make the project a reality but it was finally beginning to take shape.
All the way through the build every person who came to work on the project was buoyed by the children looking out of the window and the smiling faces that always greeted everyone. This was even when Cole and Kaden were having so many problems with their own health. Whenever anyone was feeling down about the task at hand the mere mention of Cole helped to boost morale.
Andy Lancaster was heavily involved in the build at all stages, this was whilst working himself as well as the numerous hospital trips on top of the daily task of having three young children. The family had to put up with a lot of extra strain as the build went on and they are truly an inspiration in their own right.
The project has been done with a large amount of support from the local companies and tradesman and we hope that you will think of them when looking for your own construction needs. We must mention special thanks to firstly long term sponsors W.A Browne and their Managing Director Matthew McAdams who has supported BCT from its inception some 7 years ago and helped the organisation in many projects. The support of people like Mat has been of great support and major factor in a lot of our achievements.
We must also thank Taylor Wimpey North Yorkshire for again continuing to support the organisation. Yet again they have been with us since the beginning and this support has been at times invaluable. This has included Paul going back to sub-contract for the company when times have been hard at BCT.
Everybody at BCT Aspire wish the Lancaster family every happiness in the future as they truly deserve it. Cole is an inspiration in his own right and brings joy to everyone he touches.
