Gas Networks Ireland responds to a Meath family’s DIY SOS
When RTÉ put out the call for support to help the Parsons family from Longwood in Co Meath, Gas Networks Ireland was one of many organisations alongside an army of local volunteers and tradespeople that stepped forward.
The Parsons are an amazing young family whose house was just not suitable for their needs.
Four-year-old Josh has a developmental disorder known as Smith-Magennis Syndrome, while his eight -year-old brother Ryan lives with autism and sensory issues.
Their mother, Jennifer, has to deal with her own medical issues which will cause her mobility to greatly deteriorate over the next few years.
Dad, Jim, is a former military man who retired earlier this year to care for his family full-time.
As part of RTÉ’s programme DIY SOS: The Big Build, presenter Baz Ashmawy and his team fully renovated the Parsons home, transforming the entire property in just nine days.
Gas Networks Ireland funded a new gas boiler for efficient and reliable heating, and a beautiful new garden for the family.
Presenter Baz Ashmawy said:
“Thank you very much Gas Networks Ireland, you are legends, we wouldn’t have been able to do it without you. You made a big difference to DIYSOS Ireland and a big difference to the Parsons family.”
Gas Networks Ireland’s ongoing community support throughout the pandemic and through ongoing initiatives such as DIY SOS, Age Action and Junior Achievement Ireland, was recently recognised with a prestigious CCA Award.
Gas Networks Ireland’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Christina van der Kamp, said:
“Supporting local communities is very important to Gas Networks Ireland. We were delighted to play a part in transforming the home, and hopefully the lives, of the Parsons family. They are an incredible family and we wish them all the very best in their ‘new’ home.”
Filming took place in early June 2021, with the episode scheduled to air in September.