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A group of volunteer have come together to finish a building project at the home of a North Lanarkshire roofer who was left unable to complete the work after suffering life-changing injuries in a fall from scaffolding.
Jim Gallacher, 53, from Bellshill, had begun constructing a small extension at the front of his house when, in April 2023, he fell eight metres from scaffolding while working on a site in Bristol. The accident, caused by a freak mishap involving his clothing snagging on a safety clip, left Gallacher with a broken back and neck, as well as multiple other injuries, including broken ribs and a collarbone. He landed on an Armco barrier and was rushed to hospital, where he spent six weeks recovering and underwent major spinal surgery.
While Gallacher’s recovery has defied medical expectations, he has been told that he will never be able to lift heavy objects or work at heights again, and any fall could leave him permanently disabled. As a result, Gallacher had to close his roofing business, which had once been thriving with contracts from national retailers.
With the front of their home still in a state of disrepair, Gallacher and his wife Debbie called on the help of Band of Builders (BoB), a national charity that supports tradespeople in the construction industry who are dealing with illness or injury. The charity responded by sending 20 volunteers to finish the extension and make the home more accessible in time for Christmas.
At the time of the accident, Gallacher had already completed much of the groundwork – including the foundations, drainage, and brickwork up to waist height. However, the project had stalled, leaving materials scattered across an uneven site and a hazardous entrance to the house. The porch was unfinished, and the door was difficult to access due to a sloping board and low ceiling.
Over three weekends, the BoB volunteers completed the work, rendering and plastering the porch, installing outdoor lighting, and landscaping the garden. They turned the space from a building site into a safe, accessible home for the Gallachers.
An emotional Debbie Gallacher expressed her gratitude for the volunteers’ efforts, saying: “Being able to walk safely through your own front door may seem like a small thing, but to us, it’s life-changing. We used to live with the constant worry that Jim might slip or trip, but now he can move around safely. The support we’ve received from people who don’t even know us has been incredible. We’re so, so grateful.”
Gallacher’s Story
Gallacher had built a successful roofing business over the years, securing contracts with major retailers and completing a wide range of industrial roof projects. However, in April 2023, while working in Bristol, he was involved in a tragic accident. As he was descending a ladder on the scaffolding, his trousers caught on a safety clip, causing him to miss the first rung and fall eight metres to the ground below.
His colleagues, who immediately called 999, were able to flag down a passing ambulance, and Gallacher was rushed to A&E. The fall left him with multiple fractures, including a broken back and neck, as well as a collarbone and three ribs. After six days in intensive care and spinal surgery, Gallacher was transferred to a hospital in Glasgow, where he spent several months in recovery.
Despite his determination to return to work, medical experts have warned Gallacher that he will never be able to return to the demanding physical nature of his profession. Without insurance to cover his loss of income, he has been left in a difficult financial situation.
Support from Industry Partners
Gallacher’s plight has garnered support from across the construction industry. Tarmac Blue Circle and SIG Roofing both stepped in to sponsor the project, enabling Band of Builders to complete the work on the Gallacher home.
Garry Gregory, packed products director at Tarmac, said: “The impact Band of Builders has is immeasurable. Not only does it help individuals like Jim, but it also brings the construction industry together to support its own. We are proud to be part of this project, which has made Jim’s home more accessible.”
Charlotte Pritchard, head of marketing at SIG Roofing, added: “We’re delighted to support Band of Builders on projects like Jim’s. The charity’s work makes a real difference, and we’re proud to contribute to such a positive cause.”
This project marks the 41st initiative completed by Band of Builders, which relies on donations and volunteer work from tradespeople across the UK. Other supporters of the project include Jewson, Talasey, Rolawn, Reconomy Trade, Marshalls, Lee Brothers, Regatta, Vantage Windows and Doors, Langs Builders, and Bellside Building Supplies.
Tony Steel, operations director at Band of Builders, commented: “This project demonstrates the power of the tradespeople community coming together to help one of our own. The support we’ve received from both industry partners and individual volunteers has been outstanding.”
