Aardvark Giving Back: Creating a safe, accessible space for Teddy and his family

A Hemel Hempstead family has received a complete bathroom renovation after being selected for Aardvark Bathrooms’ new community initiative, created to support households facing hardship and in need of essential home improvements.

Sam Beasley, Director of Aardvark Bathrooms, launched Aardvark Giving Back to make a meaningful difference to a family in the community. After a nomination process and panel review, the renovation was awarded to the family of 11‑year‑old Teddy, a boy whose medical journey has shaped much of his young life.

Teddy was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). He underwent open‑heart surgery as a newborn and suffered a cardiac arrest at six weeks old, resulting in long‑term kidney damage. As he grew, he developed a limb‑length discrepancy and now uses a prosthetic leg, relying heavily on a wheelchair due to pain and mobility challenges.

Despite spending almost six months in Great Ormond Street Hospital and facing numerous surgeries throughout his life, Teddy is described as confident, funny, and full of life. During the renovation project, he even stepped into the role of project manager beside Sam.

When Aardvark Bathrooms visited the family home earlier this year, it became clear that their existing bathroom layout was no longer suitable and required a complete redesign.

With products generously gifted by HIB Bathrooms, CCL Wetrooms, and Farmiloe, along with trade support from NPE Electrics and All Go Skip Hire, Aardvark Bathrooms created a fully accessible wetroom with built‑in seating to support Teddy’s independence. Through careful space optimisation, the bath was retained for family use, and a dedicated vanity area was added to give Teddy’s sisters a space of their own.

Sam Beasley said: “When I launched Aardvark Giving Back, it came from a genuine desire to make a difference in the town I grew up in, but I didn’t truly realise the impact it would have. To be welcomed into the family’s life and trusted with renovating their bathroom was a privilege, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to create a space that will not only help Teddy gain independence, but also give his sisters and parents some much‑needed time to themselves.

“One of the most exciting parts of the project was seeing Teddy every day. He quickly established himself as my site manager and made sure I gave him a full run‑through each morning, keeping us all firmly on track.

“I am overwhelmed by the support for this project, and I cannot wait to do more of these in the future.”