“What on earth are the BBC thinking axing DIY SOS? It’s a brilliant show that genuinely changes people’s lives and brings communities together.”

A petition launched to save the BBC’s DIY SOS show has garnered support after a recent episode featured a Fylde coast family, with local MP Andrew Snowden backing the campaign.

Last month, the BBC aired an emotional DIY SOS episode featuring Fylde coast boy Daniel Flemen, 16, who has been left non-verbal and unable to breath or sit unaided by a brain tumour and stroke.

The DIY SOS team, along with local tradesmen and volunteers, transformed Dan’s Freckleton house, meaning he was able to return and live at home after spending years stuck in hospital.

The team from DIY SOS, which was axed by the BBC recently.

placeholder image — The team from DIY SOS, which was axed by the BBC recently.

Sadly, the BBC axed DIY SOS last month as part of their continuous budget cuts, leaving millions around the UK devastated. A petition launched to save the show has reached 600,000 signatures, and has now been backed by Fylde MP Andrew Snowden and local councillor Adam Bierley.

Snowden, who helped Nick Knowles renovate Daniel’s house during the Freckleton episode last month, has today launched a new Parliamentary petition to try and reverse the BBC’s decision.

He said: "DIY SOS isn't just another television programme. It changes lives, brings families back together and shows the very best of what our communities can achieve when people pull together.

Andrew Snowden MP (left) and Cllr Adam Brierley (right) with the DIY SOS team during the renovation of Daniel Flemen’s house in Freckleton. | Andrew Snowden

"I saw that first-hand in Freckleton when I joined the incredible team of volunteers helping to Get Dan Home. Hundreds of people gave up their time, donated materials and worked tirelessly to make sure a young lad who had spent years in hospital could finally come home to his family.

"Watching that happen was genuinely moving. It was community spirit at its absolute best, and none of it would have happened in the same way without DIY SOS.

"That's why I'm launching this petition, calling on the BBC to think again, reverse this decision and bring back DIY SOS in its proper format. We've seen what DIY SOS can achieve. Now it's time for the BBC to listen to the public and help make sure more families get the same life-changing opportunity that Dan and his family had."

16-year-old Dan Flemen from the Fylde coast had his life changed for the better by DIY SOS. | Facebook/Get Dan Home

DIY SOS, now in its 35th series, has helped families facing serious illness, disability and extraordinary hardship for more than 25 years. Its projects have included transforming homes for injured veterans and creating community facilities following the Grenfell Tower fire.

Cllr Adam Brierley, 22, from Kirkham, helped Andrew during Dan’s project. He added: “What on earth are the BBC thinking axing DIY SOS? It’s a brilliant show that genuinely changes people’s lives and brings communities together.

“It shows the very best of Britain, with ordinary people giving up their time to help families in desperate need. Of all the programmes to get rid of, why would you choose this one? It’s disgraceful and the BBC needs to think again.”