Thanks to the generosity and donations from generous supporters including local & national companies, The Royal Marines Charity delivered one of the biggest and most ambitious projects it has ever undertaken. They were delighted to be able to give the Eaglesham family the keys to their new home.
Corporal Phillip Eaglesham deployed to Afghanistan on his third operational tour with the Royal Marines in March 2010. Whilst preparing to leave for home in October 2010 he became ill.
“I presumed I had the flu and was told that I would be given something for the symptoms. I spent the majority of the time in bed, only venturing out when it was absolutely necessary. At this point neither I nor the medics were worried too much.”
After a short stay in hospital in Cyprus, Phillip returned home, to be greeted by a worried wife and new born baby. Two weeks later with the symptoms still apparent Phillip was admitted to hospital in Birmingham, following numerous tests, they confirmed that Phillip has contracted Q Fever. Phillip’s condition deteriorated over time, to the extent where he could no longer access the majority of his house, and simple things like tucking his children in at night were a distant memory.
The completed house incorporates open a plan kitchen/dining area leading to the lounge, connecting to a master bedroom with en-suite wet room. Stairs and lift lead to the first floor, with 4 double bedrooms and two bathrooms for the growing family and to provide space for carers should this be required in the future. The ground floor accommodation, with integral garage, provides level access via bi-folding doors from the lounge to a patio area linking the accommodation to the level south facing garden. Lifting hoists and rails are installed to the lounge and master bedroom to assist Phil transfer from his wheelchair independently, and a security surveillance system to allow Phillip to control access to the house from the lounge. Underfloor heating to the ground floor ensures radiant heat and optimises wall space, and roof mounted solar panels are installed to reduce energy bills.
Thanks, to those who donated services and materials to the project, including:
Haldons Chartered Surveyors, Persimmon Homes, Grainge Architects, Mundy Construction, Howdens, Michelmores Solicitors, Stafford and Coomber, Brothwell Irvine, Arjohuntleigh, Pasquill, Taunton Fabrications, Edenhall, Timoleon, and the team on site managed by Paul Edwards.
