The wife of football attack victim Simon Dobbin has spoken of how the transformation of their home by the BBC's DIY SOS team will make life so much better for the family.

Nicole Dobbin has also thanked people for all the support he's been given as the team from the programme, hosted by Nick Knowles, prepares to start work on improving his Mildenhall home next month.

The Cambridge United fan was left permanently brain damaged after a brutal ambush following an away game in Southend. In July, the gang of 13 were jailed for attacking the 45-year-old.

Interviewed about the TV show, his wife Nicole said: "I can't believe that this is happening for us. The whole thing is actually so overwhelming, how everyone has come together to help us.

"At the moment we have an open plan dining and living room and we've put Simon in there with his hospital bed.

Simon Dobbin - his home will be transformed

"We've given him a curtain so he can have some privacy but if Emily (his daughter) and I are even in the living room we have to be really quiet.

"We also don't have a wet room or anything for Simon so everyday he's bath washed. It's amazing to think that DIY SOS will provide a separate room for Simon and a wet room so he can have some more comfort.

Nick Knowles on a DIY SOS mission in Cambridgehsire six years ago

"It should be all ready in time for Christmas. A woman in the village has let us stay in her cottage while they do the build - it's incredible.

"This will be so good for Simon and also for Emily to have a better house for us all.

"When the attack happened I had no doubt that Simon would come home, he is far too young to be in a nursing home.

"When he's happy he laughs but does get frustrated - it's like he's trapped in his own body.

"We've tried a few treatments but there is nothing that can be done, the brain damage was just too much.

"Despite all this, we try to have a normal life and do things he would have done before it happened. We take him to the pub, but he can't eat or drink, and we do go swimming - we are just trying to have as much of a normal life as possible.

17/02/17 Simon Dobbin's year home after attack 17/02/17 Simon Dobbin at his home in Mildenhall with his wife, Nicole and daughter, Emily, 18. Picture: Warren Gunn

"We have made some wonderful friends since it happened and the community have been so supportive.

"All I ask in return is that people think before they get involved in football fights like this. I wouldn't wish what we went through on anyone."

DIY SOS is now seeking skilled tradesman and local suppliers for the build, which will take place between Tuesday, November 14 and Thursday, November 23.

The programme is having a trades day on October 26 and asks anyone interested in helping to get in touch here.
