Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS team undertook a special build for Chilren In Need (Image: BBC)

DIY SOS had viewers sobbing as they undertook a special project for Children In Need on the latest episode on Thursday November 13. Nick Knowles, designer Gabrielle Blackman and the team undertook one of their most ambitious and challenging projects transforming the facilities at The Joshua Tree – a charity that provides tailored support to children and families affected by childhood cancer. The organisation had outgrown its original base in Cheshire and in just twelve days, the team expanded the available space to help it support even more families in need from all over the country. Along the way some of the patrons of the centre shared their stories and fans of the show were reaching for tissues.

“Must be truly beyond awful to see children going through cancer treatment … hats off to #diysos …really moves me,” one wrote on X. “Tears listening to Joshua as he spoke on #diysos a survivor of childhood cancer. The #JoshuaTree charity supporting children from 0-25 as they go through childhood cancer and their families. This is going to be one hell of a watch,” another added.

“I hope this @DIYSOS Children In Need Special serves as a reminder that our public broadcaster is there for more than just news. We pay for the BBC, it’s our BBC. When we support it we also support @MrNickKnowles & the team,” a third shared.

“Oh God, little Alice. That is truly heart breaking. I know they have no choice, but her parent’s strength and their little family’s fortitude is breathtaking. Sending them and all the families so much love,” a fourth penned.

A fifth chimed in: “An emotional #diysos for #childreninneed, poignant to see Billy on the team when he lost his own daughter to cancer.”

Meanwhile a sixth took to the site to comment: “#diysos gets me every single time, so heartfelt.”

Pudsey Bear and Nick Knowles oversaw proceeding on the special edition of DIY SOS (Image: BBC)

The episode was given an extra poignancy when a team member named Billy revealed his family had actually used the facilities.

“I’ll do anything that’s needed, because I used The Joshua Tree,” he told Nick. “Because my son was diagnosed with leukaemia, September last year. He suddenly passed away in October,” he sadly revealed.

“George didn’t have any opportunity to see The Joshua Tree but my daughter has had somewhere to go to be able to let her emotions out,” he said. “It’s good for us as well. Somewhere for us to go and offload and things to be a bit normal.”

Deeply moved by the revelation Nick told him: “If ever, at any point you need a man hug there’s plenty of people here.”