The DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland team is helping a Bray family bring home their daughter, Hannah, after she suffered life-altering injuries abroad.
Nearly two years ago, Hannah Leonard was out for a run in Sicily as part of her training for the Dublin Marathon when she was struck by a car.
Since then, Hannah, 24, has had to endure several operations, and in order for her to return to her family home in Bray, alterations need to be made.
Hannah, who is now residing at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire, is continuing to work hard at getting back on track, and the family is determined to bring her home.
After the accident, a GoFundMe page was set up to raise vital funds for medical expenses, but tragedy struck the family once more when, in June of 2025, their 17-year-old son, Dylan, died suddenly.
To date, the campaign has raised over €360,000; however, this will not be enough to cover Hannah’s medical costs and renovate their home so that Hannah can return.
In the upcoming series, Baz and the DIY SOS team will try to make this dream a reality.
Calling for the community to get on board, they reminded those of the accident and told Hannah has ‘endured her way through countless medical procedures, setbacks, and long periods of uncertainty.’
The post read: ‘At times, her family was told she would not survive – but Hannah continues to defy expectations, showing remarkable strength and determination every single day.’
For Hannah to return home to Bray, their home needs to be changed significantly. ‘The downstairs needs to be reconfigured to provide an accessible bedroom and a fully equipped wet room for her care.
‘Substantial storage is required for medical equipment and supplies, and a large extension is needed to create a shared living space – including a sitting room, kitchen, and dining area – where Hannah can be at the heart of family life,’ they told the public.
The build is due to get underway from Tuesday, 14 July to Thursday, 23 July, and the team is calling on the community to come together to help bring Hannah home, to recover among her family.
To find out more or to get involved on Instagram.
