The Joshua Tree: Family Support Centre, Cheshire
Introduction
The Joshua Tree is a charity operating across Cheshire and North Wales that supports families impacted by the life-changing diagnosis of childhood cancer. Having reached its operational capacity at its Cheshire centre, the charity became the focus of an incredible BBC DIY SOS makeover for 2025’s Children In Need Special. Presenter Nick Knowles personally surprised the founders and management team of the charity with the news of the makeover. A dedicated programme documenting the build was aired on BBC One on 13th November, and updates on the project were featured on BBC One’s Morning Live.
A Last-Minute Call
The extension of The Joshua Tree’s Cheshire site was one of DIY SOS’s most ambitious projects. At the end of August, we received an email from the programme’s production team asking if we could supply 450m² of timber cladding at very short notice, with delivery required by 8th September. Despite an extremely busy sawmill and a demanding turnaround, it was clear that this project was vital for local families facing the unimaginable diagnosis of childhood cancer, and we were determined to help.
Timber Selection and Craftsmanship
Jane Jones, Business Manager at The Larch Cladding Company, immediately contacted our suppliers to source the timber. She identified Douglas fir as readily available and worked with BSW Timber, who kindly offset some of the raw material costs.
Lead Saw Operator Jon Smith then worked tirelessly, often after hours, to complete the order. Some sections of the cladding required a specialist coating, and Jane instructed Timber Coaters Ltd to carry out this work. She also coordinated Cynwyd-based logistics experts, Williams, to transport the finished timber cladding to the site in Cheshire.
Bridging a Shortfall
An incredible team of local contractors, suppliers and volunteers came together to construct the new facility, nearly doubling the footprint of the original centre. When the Douglas fir cladding arrived on site, the joiners set to work installing it, but a shortfall in the original specifications immediately became apparent. We received a concerned and apologetic call from the production crew, acknowledging the shortfall. We quickly acted, producing an additional 300m² of timber cladding to ensure the project remained on its very tight schedule!
An On-site Perspective
One of the joiners involved in the build reflected on the experience of working with the donated timber:
“I was one of the joiners who worked on the BBC’s DIY SOS build for The Joshua Tree. It was a privilege to be part of something that will make such a difference to local families.
Having previously worked with timber from The Larch Cladding Company, I knew it would be of excellent quality, and I wasn’t disappointed. What really stood out to me was the sheer quantity of timber the company donated in support of this incredible cause. It was a very generous contribution.
When the Douglas fir cladding arrived on site, I happened to be one of a few joiners with experience installing it, so I was able to share some best practices with the rest of the team. The material itself was exceptional to work with, which made the whole process much smoother for everyone involved.
The shortfall in timber took everyone by surprise! The organisers had underestimated how much would be needed. It was impressive to see the team at The Larch Cladding Company respond so quickly and prepare the additional timber. Everyone on site was impressed by their quick response and their commitment to keeping the project on track.
I’ll always be proud to have been part of that collective effort, using high-quality materials to create a space for families who truly need it.”
A Humbling Experience
The cladding contribution, valued at £20,000, was a donation we were extremely proud to make to this extraordinary DIY SOS project, which was completed in just nine days. However, it wasn’t until the grand reveal that the enormity of what had been achieved was recognised. Mathew, Managing Director of The Larch Cladding Company, explains:
“Jane and I visited the site on several occasions. Throughout the build, there was an incredible sense of camaraderie among the tradespeople, suppliers, volunteers, and the production team. Despite the tight deadline, everyone was determined to make the project a success and worked together extremely well.
It wasn’t until the grand reveal that we realised the full impact of what we had collectively accomplished. Meeting the families who would use the facility was an overwhelming, humbling and unforgettable experience. It brought home just how special BBC Children in Need is and how important charities like The Joshua Tree are to families facing the heartbreaking diagnosis of cancer.
I’m incredibly proud of our team’s efforts in supplying the much-needed timber cladding in such a short space of time. Jane coordinated every detail meticulously, and we’re grateful to our supply chain partners for supporting this special cause. I’d also like to thank Jon Smith, our lead saw operator, who worked tirelessly to fulfil the order. His dedication and craftsmanship are truly commendable.”
Making a Difference
The charity is already making excellent use of the additional space. This thriving hub is now able to provide vital support and comfort to children and families across the region. Reflecting on the impact of this valuable build, Richard Euston, Business Relationship Manager at The Joshua Tree, said:
“The new extension to our Cheshire centre is allowing us to really take the next step in our ambitions to support as many families affected by childhood cancers as possible. The additional space and facilities provide us with the capacity to double the number of families we support. The exterior cladding provided by The Larch Cladding Company provides a natural look to the building, which does an important job of creating a welcoming and comforting impression on the families who use our building, a key part of how we create a safe and supportive environment for them.”
Hannah Wineter, Head of Fundraising at The Joshua Tree, added:
“Doubling the size of our building would not have been possible without the support of organisations such as The Larch Cladding Company. We were bowled over by the generosity, flexibility and kindness we witnessed throughout the build!”
This project is a powerful example of what can be achieved when businesses, tradespeople and volunteers come together for a common cause. Thanks to the generosity and dedication of everyone involved, The Joshua Tree can now support even more families across Cheshire and North Wales during one of the most difficult times in their lives.