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Glasgow based Baxi installer Mark Gray, of Mark D Gray Ltd, was so moved by the plight of young Royal Marine who was seriously injured in Afghanistan that he called the producer of Noel's HQ on Sky 1 to ask if he could help.
Joe Townsend lost both his legs in an explosion. He had hoped to live in a specially designed bungalow on his grandparents' land, but the local authority turned down planning permission. Presenter Noel Edmunds and his team took on the case, and lobbied the Prime Minister Gordon Brown and leader of the opposition David Cameron to overturn the local authority's decision.
Mark called the producer of the show, and offered to do all the heating and plumbing for the bungalow. And he contacted his local Baxi representative to see if he would be prepared to help. Scottish divisional sales manager Cameron Brown didn't hesitate in offering a Baxi boiler for the heating system.
Mark and Cameron were invited to take part in the final show of the series when all the suppliers and building materials were brought onto the show to the surprise of Joe, who is still recovering in hospital, and his family.
Mark voiced the thoughts of everyone who signed the petition in support of Joe. "This young Royal Marine fought for his country and was badly injured. When he came home, he was stopped from having a home close to his family by Wealdon District Council, despite there being no objection from the neighbours.
"It was a shocking way to treat him - and I'm so pleased the council has been forced to rethink their decision. I can't wait to get started on the job and do my bit to help. And I've been delighted with the response from Baxi and my other suppliers. Between them they have supplied a complete plumbing and heating system!"
Cameron Brown added: "Mark has been a loyal Baxi installer for years, and this gesture is typical of the kind of guy he is. We are delighted to support him and to help Joe."
For more information and to watch more on Joe's story visit the Sky 1 site.
Watch more from Noel's HQ on YouTube (07.02.2009) and (14.02.2009).
