Q&A with Gabrielle Blackman on DIY SOS Children in Need Special

What’s so special about this DIY SOS Big Build?

Well in this special programme with BBC Radio 2 & BBC Children in Need we’re at Treetops Hospice in Derbyshire. It’s an adult hospice for people with life limiting illnesses, but they also provide support and counselling services to children and young people facing traumatic bereavement who are going through an unimaginably tough time. They did already have rooms for counselling but based in a building for adults and it wasn’t very child friendly – so what we have created is a welcoming space where children coming for counselling instantly feel at ease. It is an incredibly special building, where Treetops will be able to deliver their vital work.

Were you surprised by how many volunteers you had come forward to support?

I think that bereavement is something that has affected everyone, so it’s not hard to see why so many people came forward to help us on this build as everyone can relate to it in their own way. Everyone who volunteers always has their own reason for being there and their own story to tell. A DIY SOS building site is like no other! We are one big family, and you really feel that when you are working on it.

What was the biggest challenge you faced during the build?

Oh there were many! I have so many sleepless nights ahead of these builds, because we just want to create the most perfect space for the people we are building for. This build was especially tricky because we were building a new structure from scratch in a field. The rain poured and the hundreds of vans on site were getting stuck in the mud!

What have viewers got to look forward to?

It is going to be a very fun programme, as we have the likes of Scott Mills and Zoe Ball as well as many other Radio 2 faces joining us on site including a big surprise at the reveal! With the usual motley crew of Purple Shirts in tow, there is never a dull day on the building site and that humour always comes through in the programme. Alongside that, there are some wonderfully touching stories from children and families who have benefited from the work of Treetops Hospice – it’s a bit of tear-jerker too, so you should definitely get your tissues ready!

What is your favourite interior trend, and one you would like to say goodbye to?

I love the trend for house plants. They make even the dullest room look beautiful, and are also good for our health. The trend I am very happy to say goodbye to is inspirational quotes on walls – tere is nothing more annoying than being told to Live / Love / Laugh!