Nick and his team — including designer Gaby Blackman, electrician Billy Byrne, gardener Ashley Edwards and plasterer Chris Frediani — took on the enormous challenge. They added a rear timber extension, created an accessible lounge, and transformed the upstairs into larger, more functional bedrooms. Isla’s new space included an electric adjustable bed, a retractable low kitchen counter, and even a hidden connecting door to her mum’s room, disguised as a children’s bookcase — allowing Stacey to be nearby in case of an emergency.
The most heartwarming moment came when Nick surprised Isla with a flight at a local airfield for her eighth birthday. As the plane soared above the house, 160 volunteers waved and shouted, “Happy Birthday, Isla!” down below — a scene that left everyone, including Nick, visibly emotional.
Stacey broke down in tears as she said, “Watching Isla walk around her new home, she looked like a completely different person — so independent. You’ve achieved everything I wanted to do. Our future now is going to be so much more comfortable.”
