Grand Designs viewers heartbroken as homeowner’s dad dies suddenly before getting chance to move into dream house-Cydney Yeates-Entertainment – Metro

Grand Designs homeowner Mike’s dad died during the construction of his new home (Picture: Channel 4)

Tragedy repeatedly struck in Grand Designs on Wednesday night, with the homeowner’s dad dying before he could get the opportunity to move into his son’s dream house and his mum suffering a fall.

The episode saw presenter Kevin McCloud follow Sarah and Mike, who were building a huge multi-generational abode in Derbyshire.

While the couple initially ran into problems with their roof, they were soon struck with a string of heartbreaking personal setbacks.

The husband and wife were set to live with Sarah’s mother, Mike’s parents, and their two grown-up daughters, but Mike’s father Robin died following a short cancer battle before the project’s completion.

Breaking the news to Kevin, Mike said: ‘Sadly, my father died the other weekend after what was a really short illness.’

He went on to explain: ‘There was a slight swelling in his legs, [he] went for a routine blood test and found out he was full of cancer and it too late to do anything.’

Mike revealed that his dad had died after a short battle with cancer (Picture: Channel 4)

Kevin McCloud offered his condolences after hearing the tragic news (Picture: Channel 4)

Mike’s mum Jean was living on her own after her husband’s death (Picture: Channel 4)

She had been married to Robin for 60 years and the pair had been waiting to move into the new home together (Picture: Channel 4)

Robin died after a matter of weeks. ‘It was such a shock for him to go so quickly.’ Mike added. ‘My mum and dad were married for 60 years.’

Viewers were devastated by Robin’s death and expressed their sorrow online, with one writing: ‘This is very sad.’

‘Awww Robin, bless,’ said another. ‘Poor Jean. Oh dear, how horrid.’

Following his father’s death, Mike made a conscious effort to go and visit his mother, Jean, who was now living on her own.

Jean suffered a fall and was forced to wait six hours before an ambulance arrived (Picture: Channel 4)

‘After dad died it became really difficult for my mum to cope on her own,’ he said.

‘She’s much more frail, so I come down to stay.’

A few months later, however, Jean had a fall and needed around-the-clock care.

Sharing the news, Mike revealed that his mum waited six hours for an ambulance to arrive. ‘My mum had a fall recently so she’s struggling now. She’s not in great shape. She’s got carers now if she needs help getting ready.’

The news sparked concern for the whole family and put pressure to get the house finished quickly.

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By the end of the episode, however, the home was completed and Sarah and Mike had moved in with one of their daughters, Sarah’s mum, and Mike’s mum, Jean.

Although they went 20% over budget, forking out an eye-watering £1.2million for the home, the couple were delighted that all the family was together.

Grand Designs airs Wednesdays at 9pm on Channel 4.

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