The Joshua Tree: Building Accessibility for a Children in Need Project

15/11/25

The Challenge

When BBC DIY SOS issued a call for support on Facebook for a Children in Need special, the Rapid Ramp team knew they could make a difference. The project aimed to build a brand-new facility for The Joshua Tree, a Cheshire-based charity supporting families living with childhood cancer.

The challenge was to provide safe, accessible entry to the new building — and to do it quickly. With the DIY SOS build already on a tight schedule, time and precision were essential.

The Strategy

To deliver a high-quality access solution in record time, Rapid Ramp partnered with Healthcare Matters. Rapid Ramp would supply the modular ramp system, while Healthcare Matters would donate skilled labour for installation.

The goal was simple but ambitious:

• Provide a fully compliant disabled access ramp for the new building
• Design, approve, and install the system within days
• Support the DIY SOS and Children in Need mission through teamwork and expertise

The Solution

A Healthcare Matters team member was on-site the very next day, using Rapid Scanner technology to survey the area with pinpoint accuracy.

Within just one hour of receiving the scan data, Rapid Ramp’s design team produced both 2D and 3D ramp designs, overlaid on a digital model of the site. This allowed the DIY SOS and charity teams to visualise the proposed ramp immediately and approve it without delay.

The digital survey identified a manhole cover within the ramp’s footprint. To resolve this, designers added a removable access hatch, ensuring essential underground services would remain accessible without affecting the ramp’s integrity or appearance.

“The scan-to-design process was incredibly fast. Within hours, we had a detailed model ready for approval.”

The Installation

Just three working days after the initial Facebook post, the ramp was ready to install. As soon as the tarmac was complete, the Healthcare Matters team worked late into the night to complete the fit.

This swift turnaround was made possible through close collaboration between Rapid Ramp’s designers, production staff, and logistics team, alongside Healthcare Matters’ surveyors and installers.

Together, the teams delivered a safe, accessible, and high-quality ramp-  all within an exceptionally short timeframe.

“Everyone worked tirelessly to make it happen. It was inspiring to see so many people come together for such a meaningful cause.”

The Result

The completed installation provided immediate, step-free access to The Joshua Tree’s new facility — a small but important contribution to a much larger community project.

• The ramp was designed, approved, and installed in just three days
• Full accessibility was achieved, supporting inclusive access for all users
• The design included clever adaptations such as a removable service hatch
• The collaborative effort demonstrated the power of partnership and purpose

“We were proud to play our part in a project that will make such a difference to so many families.”

A Case for Collaboration and Compassion

This project highlights what’s possible when innovation meets teamwork. By combining digital scanning technology, modular ramp systems, and dedicated skilled labour, Rapid Ramp and Healthcare Matters were able to deliver a vital accessibility solution — efficiently, safely, and with heart.

It stands as a reminder that when the goal is to help others, even the smallest contribution can make a lasting impact.