The Larch Cladding Company, a leading UK supplier of sustainable timber cladding, contributed 750 m² of Douglas fir cladding to BBC’s DIY SOS and Children in Need. This donation supported the construction of a major extension to The Joshua Tree’s Support Centre in Sandiway, Cheshire – a facility dedicated to supporting families affected by childhood cancer.
The Larch Cladding Company specialises in producing high-quality timber cladding using sustainably sourced British larch, Douglas fir and cedar. With a retail value of £20,000, this donation of Douglas fir cladding represents one of the largest material contributions in the company’s history and highlights its ongoing commitment to community development and wellbeing and sustainable construction practices.
Jane Jones, Business Manager, at The Larch Cladding Company, recalls how the opportunity came about:
“Just weeks before the project was due to start, we received an email from the production company explaining that they were looking for a timber cladding supplier at the last minute. They needed a significant quantity of external timber cladding in a very short amount of time. Although the sawmill was extremely busy due to a period of exceptional growth, we knew how important this project was to local families and were determined to help.”
The Joshua Tree was founded in 2006 by Lynda and Dai Hill after their five-year-old son, Joshua, was diagnosed with leukaemia. The charity now supports almost 400 families from centres in Cheshire and North Wales, providing bespoke programmes to improve the emotional health and wellbeing of those affected by childhood cancers.
Thanks to BBC Children in Need, DIY SOS, and an incredible team of local tradespeople, suppliers and volunteers, the facility in Cheshire has almost doubled in size. This ambitious development features therapy and counselling rooms, safe play areas, a gym, and accommodation for families who travel long distances for treatment.
Jane, along with Mathew Davies, Managing Director of The Larch Cladding Company, met with the production team to determine the most effective way to meet the project’s requirements within a very tight timeframe. In addition to overseeing the production of the rough-sawn, square-edge Douglas fir cladding, Jane coordinated support from across the company’s supply chain to ensure the project’s successful delivery. While much of the project was funded internally, BSW Timber kindly offset some of the timber costs. Timber Coaters Ltd contributed by applying a specialist coating to sections of the cladding in line with the architect’s design. Finally, Cynwyd-based logistics experts, Williams, transported the finished product to the site.
Commenting on the successful delivery of the project, Mathew said:
“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.”
Reflecting on the entire experience, he said:
“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.”
This extraordinary DIY SOS and BBC Children in Need project was completed in just nine days thanks to the enormous efforts of community-minded people wanting to make a difference. The remarkable transformation will enable The Joshua Tree to support even more families affected by childhood cancer for years to come. The DIY SOS Children In Need Special will be aired on BBC 1 on 13th November 2025.
