Builder who suffered stroke fights back and claims award

A south Norfolk tradesman has battled back from ill health to be named as a dream builder for the Eastern Counties.

Following a stroke he suffered last Easter, Bruce Berry, 55, has been named Heavenly Builder for the region by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Mr Berry, of Thelveton, who has been a builder for 30 years, is now in the running for the national prize to be named the nation’s Heavenly Builder, which will be revealed at a ceremony in London on February 18.

He was nominated for the award by his previous clients in Kenninghall, who were impressed at his approach in the construction of an extension.

The Heavenly Builder award is for builders who go the extra mile to accommodate customers’ needs and who are mindful about the impacts a building project can have on their lives.

Mr Berry said: “There was not a lot of room on that project for the storage of materials. Everything had to be hand-balled through into the back garden and soil had to be taken out by hand, but we didn’t make any mess. It (the award) is exciting and it is nice to be appreciated.”

John Watson, FMB service director for the eastern counties said: “It’s a great honour to be nominated for and then win a Heavenly Builder award.

“It is the client’s way of publicly thanking the builder for continually going above and beyond and turning what is often a stressful experience into an enjoyable one.”