Good Friday Appeal house a labour of love

Jake Jessop and daughter Kaylee. (Supplied)

By Laura Michell

Big-hearted tradies and suppliers have pitched in to help build a Wollert house which will go under the hammer next month to raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

More than 100 tradies have donated their labour and resources during the six-month build, to help construct a 25 square, four-bedroom house at 5 Newry Street, Wollert.

This year is Henley Homes’ 27th year of building and donating homes for the Charity House Auction, and is Villawood Properties 11th year donating land.

The house, in Wollert’s Rathdowne estate, will be auctioned on Good Friday, April 10.

The house features five living areas, a home theatre and butler’s pantry and is built on a 512 square-metre block. Furniture, landscaping, soft furnishing and decorative pieces are also included.

For many of the tradies, including carpenter Jake Jessop, the project has been a labour of love.

Mr Jessop said the build had been emotional for him as daughter Kaylee, now three-years-old, was rushed to the hospital when she was born.

“She was struggling to breathe and was not moving. What should have been the most joyful time in our life became extremely stressful as the hospital team worked relentlessly to save Kaylee,” he said.

“Our little girl spent a week at the Royal Children’s Hospital recovering. We know that without the hospital staff’s commitment and care for Kaylee, she would not be the feisty toddler she is today – a vibrant and very healthy child, ready to take on the world.

“It’s very humbling to see all the tradies and suppliers come together for such a worthy cause. I am so proud to be part of this extraordinary build, knowing that every dollar from the auction will go to the Royal Children’s Hospital.”

To register your interest in the charity house auction, visit: gfacharityhouse.com.au/