DIY SOS Nick knowles
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DIY SOS fans sob as show helps war veterans in repeated episode

The Homes for Veterans special had everyone in tears

DIY SOS aired a repeated episode last night, hailed one of the ‘most incredible things on TV ever’ as they helped a war veteran get his dream home.

The second installment of the two-parter aired on Thursday (May 7) as Nick Knowles and the team continued to creating a new community in Manchester for war veterans who had served our country.

Last week, as they set about transforming empty houses into homes for veterans facing PTSD, Princes William and Harry even came to lend a hand.

DIY SOS Lamin
Veteran Lamin lost both his legs and an arm fighting for his country (Credit: BBC)

Read more: VE Day 2020 quiz

DIY SOS tells Lamin’s story

But it was the story of Lamin Manneh, who moved to Britain from the Gambia that moved viewers to tears.

Father-of-five Lamin wanted to serve his new country so joined the British Army.

Lamin went to Afghanistan and three months into his tour of duty, a massive explosion caused him to lose both legs and an arm.

Wanting to help Lamin and his family get some sense of normality back, Nick and the team were knocking two houses together to create the perfect home for them.

They were also tasked with refurbishing the front of all of the houses on the street, as well as retarmacing the road.

Lamin was emotional after the build (Credit: BBC)

Although the build went over time, they managed to get everything done and a tearful Lamin thanked them all.

Dreams come true

He told them: “You don’t know what this means, but all your efforts, your resources, your time and energy you put into that to create that opportunity to be able to mingle with my family like normal parents, take your kids to bed, read them a story, kiss them goodnight.

“You have given me a chance to be a normal father and I wish you all the best in life. I hope all your dreams come true as you have made my dreams come true.”

Nick Knowles comforted Lamin (Credit: BBC)

What did viewers say?

Fans watching at home were overcome with emotion, saying they were in floods of tears.

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The timing of the repeat is particularly poignant as it coincides with VE Day, marking 75 years since the Second World War ended in Europe.

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Carena Crawford
Associate Editor (Soaps)