A MONMOUTH family were ‘overwhelmed’ and ‘humbled’ after their home was transformed by more than 100 volunteers.

Emotions ran high yesterday (THUR) when Charlotte and Rob Fairlie walked through their front door for the first time after a nine-day makeover by the BBC TV show DIY SOS.

Charlotte, 35, and Rob, 40, of Hereford Road, had been married for two years when Mrs Fairlie suffered a serious stroke minutes after giving birth in December 2014. Doctors said she had a one percent chance of survival.

Despite being left with right-sided paralysis, brain damage and loss of her short term memory, Mrs Fairlie has slowly taught herself to walk again and can say a few basic words.

The couple, who have 16 month-old twin sons Teddy and Fox, stayed with friends while local tradespeople, ranging from electricians to plumbers and plasterers worked around the clock alongside the DIY SOS team to carry out the transformation, which included building a double-storey rear extension to create a physio room and en-suite wet room together with other adaptions to help Mrs Fairlie in her rehabilitation.

The show’s presenter Nick Knowles addressed the crowd of volunteers before revealing the house to the couple, who were visibly moved by the support shown.

Mr Fairlie said: “We are overwhelmed, humbled and excited.”

“This has been so amazing. The community spirit has been beyond anything else I have witnessed.”

“When we saw what the team has done we were blown away.”

“This is life-changing. We can start being a family and Charlotte can have the best physio to help with her recovery.”

Mrs Fairlie’s sister Angie Harries, who helps care for the twins, said the family were ‘blown away’.

“Rob and Charlotte love what the team has done. It’s like a new house. We can now work towards her having the babies at home seven nights a week.

Mr Knowles said the project was an amazing experience.

“When Charlotte had the stroke she was not able to bond with her babies. What we have been able to do is to build an environment where a mother can rebuild that bond. The family can now start their life.”

He praised the dedication of the volunteers and the real sense of community.

Jeremy and Clare Jones, of JC Carpets & Beds of Monmouth, were among those to give up their time to fit carpets in the bedrooms and stairs.

Mr Jones, 49, said he pitched in wherever needed during the build.

“I was amazed by how many people turned out and how everyone mucked in.”

Hamish Summers, programme producer, praised the community for their support, including Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls which provided a base for the crew and over 1,000 meals during filming for those involved.

The episode is due to be screened on BBC later this year.