DIY SOS dad dies eight years after freak accident left him paralysed

A loving father and stepfather whose life was transformed by his local community and television programme DIY SOS has sadly passed away. Ben Wernham, of Avening, died 'peacefully at home in his sleep' on October 29.

The 41-year-old suffered a freak fall in the shallow end of a pool on holiday in Cyprus in March 2016 leaving him paralysed.

After his partner Ella and volunteers in and around Avening formed Best 4 Ben, raising well over £100,000 for an extension on their home, hit Nick Knowles programme DIY SOS got involved and the second half of the work needed was done in just over a week.

A proud moment for Ben was being able to pick up his stepdaughter from school for the first time in 2017 following extensive rehabilitation and physiotherapy. He also had a daughter.

Paying tribute to him, his girls said: "It's incredibly sad news about Ben. We'd love to take the opportunity to thank all members of the community that helped to raise funds and assisted with the DIY SOS big build which enabled Ben to stay in his home until the end.

"Everyone’s support meant the world to us. We knew his life would be harder than most but we didn’t think he’d go this soon. Ben was incredibly brave throughout but he’s finally at peace now."

Ben's funeral will be held at Westerleigh Crematorium on November 26, at 2.15pm. There will then be a gathering at the Wishing Well Pub to celebrate his life afterwards.