Nick Knowles and a grieving family on DIY SOS
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DIY SOS host Nick Knowles fights back tears as Chapman family’s disabled daughter dies ahead of filming

Viewers were distraught at the heartbreaking episode, too

DIY SOS host Nick Knowles fought back tears on the show last night (June 14) as the team helped a family battling a genetic disorder.

Nick introduced viewers to the Chapman family, with many admitting they were in tears soon after the episode started.

Nick Knowles looking sad on DIY SOS
The heartbreaking story appeared to have Nick Knowles fighting back tears on DIY SOS (Credit: BBXC

Nick Knowles meets the Chapman family

Dad Peter was building an extension for his family at their home when he received his own devastating diagnosis.

Up until then he had been caring for his wife Sarah and daughter Suzanne, who both have myotonic dystrophy.

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Tragically, just two weeks before the DIY SOS team arrived, the couple’s daughter Margaret passed away after suffering from the same condition.

Chatting to Sarah, Nick said the team had offered to put the Big Build off so the family could come to terms with their grief.

But faced with the prospect of having to move out of their home if it wasn’t completed, the family had no choice but to continue with the work.

A grieving family looking solemn on DIY SOS
Sarah and Peter Chapman lost their daughter two weeks before the DIY SOS team started work on their house (Credit: BBC)

What is myotonic dystrophy?

Myotonic dystrophy is a long-term genetic condition that leads to muscle loss and weakness.

Suzanne, 35, has a mental age of 12 and Sarah – who is in the early stages of the disease – can only walk short distances.

Tonight’s episode of DIY SOS has got me in tears. Truly heartbreaking.

“As time went on, we realised it was going to get worse – and it did,” Peter explained to Nick during the emotional episode.

The DIY SOS team got to work on putting right things that Peter had started, before renovating the house and showing off the results to the family.

Peter declared that it was an “unbelievable” transformation.

He also said that the work the team had done will “make a huge difference” to their lives.

Nick Knowles in the rain with the DIY SOS team
Nick and the team endured some pretty dire weather as they got their Big Build done (Credit: BBC)

DIY SOS host Nick Knowles and viewers fight back tears

With host Nick fighting back tears, viewers admitted they too were reaching for the Kleenex.

“So sad to hear the story about the Chapman family,” said one.

“Tonight’s episode of DIY SOS has got me in tears. Truly heartbreaking,” said a second.

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“Omg the tears,” said another. “What a privilege you have to help people who so need it.”

“Amazing work all. Couldn’t help but cry through the episode. Truly touched. Well done all,” said another.

“Had me crying all the way through. What a lovely family,” said another.

“Will be bulk buying some tissues for the next series! Amazing what you all do, lost for words,” another concluded.

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Nancy Brown
Associate Editor

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