Kent plasterer helps bring 17-year-old with brain damage home from hospital
Daniel Boalch is building an "equipped" extension for free to meet the needs of Rubie Boyton who's been in hospital for 15 months after suffering brain damage
Last updated 29th Aug 2025
A Kent man's campaigning for help to complete a free home extension for a family whose daughter suffered severe brain damage after collapsing in a park.
Rubie Boyton from Ashford has been in hospital for 15 months after she collapsed in a park in Ashford, just four days after her 16th birthday.
Her heart stopped for thirty minutes leaving her with severe brain damage and "life-changing" disabilities.
Daniel Boalch said he met the family through a friend, when doing their plastering.
"I realised I could probably help them with a bit more than the plastering.
"I said I'd do my best to help out with the rest as well. I can't take all the credit, there's been a lot of people coming together volunteering and donating to make this happen for them."
"I've got children myself and I honestly just can't imagine what the family are going through.
"If what we're doing just takes a little bit of pressure off for them, that's amazing."
Rosie's Mum Kim Tucker previously told Greatest Hits Radio it would "mean the world" to have her daughter back home.
She said:
"I just feel really guilty doing things, knowing Rubie is in hospital and can't do anything. I've not yet really been able to take the little one to the park, or do days out, because I feel immense guilt all the time.
"The hospital have said once she is out she won't be getting as many infections, for example she has had sepsis six times so we really want to get her out and get her home.
"They've also said we will see some kind of improvement because she will be comfortable and know where she is."
Mr Boalch said the family home is "not equipped" to meet Rubie's needs.
"Without this extension, she wouldn't be able to come home."
Mr Boalch says Rubie needs a proper wetroom, a hoist system to lift her out of her bed and into her wheelchair, space for carers, a shower bed, and access to her family home.
"There's a new ramp being built at the moment into her already-built extension so she can be brought in an out of the house safely.
"I can't imagine anything worse than not being able to bring your child home.
"This build is not just bricks and plaster, it's about creating the right environment so Rubie can be back where she belongs and that is with her family."
Mr Boalch says he still needs "a few bits to get it finished".
"We're looking for a double-pocket door to give her maximum space between her extension and the living room, we're struggling with that one.
"We need carpenters to help with the kitchen, the doors, and the skirtings...
"We may still need porcelain slabs for the patio and ramp.
"I do post most of my requests on my social media, so would always appreciate sharing the post.
"I'm only one person but when a community comes together like this, we can achieve incredible things and help get Rubie home where she belongs."