DIY SOS Homes for Veterans

When Lamin Manneh appeared on DIY SOS he couldn’t have imagined how perfect his purpose-built home would end up. But there was one thing that really put the gloss on it...

Lamin Manneh’s house in Manchester is full of laughter. With five kids ranging in age from two to 12, it’s a riot of noise and fun, with football games being played outside and drawings being coloured in at the kitchen table. At the centre of it all is Lamin. Originally from The Gambia, he’s got a big, ebullient personality – constantly tickling, hugging, and encouraging his children. It has, however, been a long journey for this family to reach anything bordering on domestic happiness. Back in 2010, Lamin was blown up by an IED while serving with the Irish Guards in Afghanistan. He lost both legs above the knee as well as his left arm. The physical rehab and mental recovery from such a horrific injury was tough enough, but just as he was trying to get his body and mind back on track, the family found themselves facing other issues. Having bought a house in Hyde, Manchester, the children found themselves being pelted with eggs and stones. There were even attempts to slash the family’s car tyres. What happened next turned Lamin into a minor celebrity in his adopted city. Thanks to the TV show DIY SOS, Lamin and his family have moved to Canada Street. This old Mancunian avenue had seen better days; with houses boarded up, it was  in desperate need of attention. But thanks to the huge efforts of a number of volunteers – including Princes William and Harry – the road was transformed into  a haven for veteran Service men. Millions watched the programme on TV when it aired in October and were deeply moved as Lamin told his story, and eventually relocated to his purpose-built new home. 

How’s life on your new street?   It is perfect. We have a couple of great neighbours who were also featured on the show, who suffer from post-traumatic stress. We look out for each other and we have a support network now. We wanted to recapture that camaraderie you get from being in the military – we were isolated from that in our old house. That had played on my mind for a long time, so this is a dream. There are other people who have been living on the street for years and they’ve been very welcoming. They pop in for a cup of tea. Sometimes people say; “We saw you on TV, we just want to give you a hug.” That’s fine with me! I’m looking forward to more veterans moving in here and hopefully this idea might be rolled out all over the country. These houses have helped us all.

The reaction to the show has been overwhelming…  Yes. It has been incredible and my family and I are so thankful. We’ve had postcards from all over the world, and social media went crazy. Everyone is crying with happiness! But that’s great. My family feels secure here. It is emotional. When I first saw the house, I couldn’t believe it. It blew me away, it went beyond everything I had expected. If you see the before and after pictures, they are just amazing. To think that before we moved in it was used as a cannabis farm!

You got involved in the project due to Blesma, right? Yes, my BSO Mike Downes is the person who told us about it and introduced us to the producers. Without him, we would not be here. Our old house was OK but the environment wasn’t ideal. I’m not going to say bad things about the area because the majority of people were fantastic, but we did have problems and I wasn’t there all the time to be able to look after my kids. My wife, Binta, was unhappy and I wanted them all to be safe. It bothered me. This is a much better environment.

What was the process of filming like?   We were interviewed by a TV producer before they selected us. I was so happy to be chosen. Next they consulted with us about the house and what we wanted from it. I got involved in the design. The main thing for me was having a lift. It was so time-consuming and stressful getting up and down the stairs in the old house. I also wanted a bath I could get into. But after that we let the team get on with the job.

How was Nick Knowles off camera? He is a great guy. He’s very nice and although this is his job, you could tell that this project was a real passion for him. He genuinely loves helping people and this was done from the heart. I think it has always been a dream for him to do something for veterans, and he was wonderful with my family.

What made you join the British Army in the first place? I grew up in Africa wanting to be a soldier. The Gambia was a colonial country, so we knew all about the British Army, and I admired it. I liked the discipline. I joined the Irish Guards in my late 20s. I trained at Catterick and then went to my regiment in Windsor. There was a lot of banter, mickey taking and fun, and I loved the fitness and sport – I liked pushing myself mentally and physically.

You used that determination in your rehab, too…  Yes. Getting injured was a shock. All I remember about being blown up is someone saying; “You’re going to be alright,” then I woke up in Birmingham. I’d been in a coma for seven days. When Binta told me I’d lost my legs, I said; “That’s not true – I can feel them!” The first few weeks were hard but I’m a positive person, and I realised I had to get on with my life. I needed to be there for my family. If I sat moaning, what example would I be to my children? So I quickly got back to being determined. At Headley Court, you see people who are worse off than you, suffering with mental health problems. Trying to help them, and myself, gave my recovery momentum. It got me through.

And you can now say that the future King of England decorated your lounge… Ha, yes! William and Harry were fantastic, and very down to earth. They have both served, so we spoke like military guys. They like helping people and taking responsibility for things. It is quite something to say the first family of the UK helped to paint my house. They were good painters, too! But they were just like the other volunteers – trying to give something back to those who weren’t as lucky as them in the war.

I plan to find work helping others like myself

Lamin Manneh