BBC Children in Need fans in tears as DIY SOS star opens up on losing son to cancer

DIY SOS had viewers in tears as they took on a special project for Children in Need on Thursday, November 13. Nick Knowles , designer Gabrielle Blackman, and the crew tackled one of their most ambitious builds yet, transforming the facilities at The Joshua Tree, a charity that provides tailored support to youngsters and families affected by childhood cancer . The organisation had outgrown its original Cheshire base, and in just 12 days, the team expanded the space to help support even more families in need from across the country. Throughout the project, some of the centre's patrons shared their stories, leaving viewers reaching for the tissues. "Must be truly beyond awful to see children going through cancer treatment ... hats off to #diysos ...really moves me," one viewer 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 heartbreaking. I know they have no choice, but her parents' strength and their little family's fortitude are breathtaking. Sending them and all the families so much love," one viewer wrote. Another added: "An emotional #diysos for #childreninneed, poignant to see Billy on the team when he lost his own daughter to cancer," reports the Express . A third person posted: "#diysos gets me every single time, so heartfelt." The programme took on added significance when a team member opened up about his own family's connection to the charity. "I'll do anything that's needed, because I used The Joshua Tree," he explained to Nick. "Because my son was diagnosed with leukaemia , September last year. He suddenly passed away in October," he tragically shared. "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 continued. "It's good for us as well. Somewhere for us to go and offload and things to be a bit normal." Visibly touched by his words, Nick responded: "If ever, at any point, you need a man hug, there are plenty of people here." DIY SOS is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.