The annual BBC Children in Need appeal is a beacon of community spirit and giving, and one of its most anticipated components is the DIY SOS Big Build. This year, Hang It Services was incredibly proud and honoured to play a role in a project that was truly monumental—a life-changing community centre for children and families facing the challenge of cancer in Cheshire.
As the special airs on Friday, November 14th, we’re lifting the lid on what it took to contribute to one of the biggest, most emotionally resonant builds in DIY SOS history. Our Managing Director, James Horwood, dedicated a marathon 12-hour shift to ensure the finishing touches—the crucial art installations—were perfected and secured.
The Scale of the Challenge: A ‘Monster’ Build
A standard DIY SOS episode is already a huge undertaking, but the Children in Need specials routinely elevate the scope. This year was no exception. The project involved constructing a massive, two-story extension to an existing facility. This new wing included a fully equipped gymnasium, essential treatment rooms, comfortable overnight accommodation for families, and dedicated office spaces.
“It was just on a much bigger scale,” James recalls. “When I got there in the afternoon, there were people everywhere—maybe 75 to 80 people on site, maybe more. It was an absolute monster. Honestly, you genuinely didn’t see how it was going to get finished in time.”
The sheer volume of dedicated volunteers and tradespeople on site underscored the incredible collaborative spirit but also presented logistical challenges. For Hang It Services, the mission was to safely and securely install all the artwork. “We had to wait for everybody to get out of the way,” James explains, as the final structural and decorative work was being completed. This meant patiently awaiting access, often adapting on the fly, and integrating seamlessly into the project’s demanding final stages.
A Solo Marathon: 3 PM to 3:30 AM
While many hands were busy with the construction, James tackled the art installation largely solo. He started his shift around 3 PM, knowing he was facing a significant workload: “I knew how much there was to do. I’d prepared myself for it to be an incredibly late night, early morning, sort of 1, 2, 3 finish.”
The task was about more than just hanging pictures; it involved changing a lot of the artwork over to ensure it was security fixed properly—a critical requirement for a public, community space catering to children. Despite the initial delays and the constant need to coordinate with the designers, Gabby and Gordon, who were being pulled in every direction, James remained focused.
He pushed through until the early hours, wrapping up around 3:30 AM. It was a testament to the dedication required by everyone involved in the final push. “There was no rush from my side,” James notes, focusing on the quality and security of the installation rather than speed.
Art with a Deeper Purpose: Emotional Impact
In a facility designed to support children and families through cancer treatment, the artwork is never merely decorative. It plays a vital emotional role, creating an environment of hope, comfort, and positivity.
The designs featured lots of happy, uplifting artwork, including colourful animals. The giraffe, in particular, is a signature animal for the centre. Crucially, there were also many displays featuring pictures of the children themselves, alongside their favourite sayings and quotes.
“That was quite emotional,” James reflects. “You’re looking at this place and knowing how important it’s going to be to people that are having a really difficult time.” The art becomes part of the care, a small but significant source of light in a challenging chapter of life.
The Significance of the Community Build
Working on a DIY SOS build for a single family is rewarding, but contributing to the Children in Need special, which benefits an entire community and countless people in need over many years, is an even more profound experience.
James notes that getting involved was never on his radar, but it has become an immensely fulfilling opportunity. “It certainly wasn’t in my mind as a possibility,” he admits. The gratitude from the show’s designers, Gabby and Gordon, has been a highlight. “What’s really nice is how grateful Gordon and Gabby are of us coming to do something. They feel sort of relieved… it’s a worry removed.” Being seen as a reliable and skilled contributor to such a massive effort is rewarding for the whole team at Hang It Services.
His most memorable moment? “Probably when the last couple of pictures went up… that kind of signifies that it’s done. There’s a big sigh of relief from everybody.”
Collaboration: A Call to Our Partners
The success of the Big Build relies entirely on the generosity and skill of the entire community. While Hang It Services used their own materials this time, James sees the immense value in other businesses contributing, even in small ways.
He encourages suppliers and partners—like galleries and framers—to consider future involvement. “Even if you just donate a canvas, donate a set of four frames, donate some fixings,” James suggests. “It’s a good thing to try and be part of.” The collective donation of time, skill, and resources is what truly makes these projects possible and impactful.
The DIY SOS Children in Need special will air on Friday, November 14th. We encourage everyone to tune in to witness the culmination of this incredible community effort and the life-changing impact it will have on children and families.
Hang It Services is honoured to have been able to leverage our professional expertise to support this vital cause, and we look forward to exploring future charitable collaborations.
