What made you decide to get involved in OFH?    

We are doing it for Matt and Amy to give them a chance to own their own home. I’ve had a big year (got diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy five months ago) so my outlook on life, priorities and willingness to take risks has definitely changed. I’m up for this adventure!

What are you the most excited about?    

Amy said they will be keen to have babies much earlier if they win… so I’m excited about potential grandchildren!

What are you most nervous about?    

My ability to hack the pace and keep up with the physical demands. I’m also nervous about having a hot flush on camera and having to work over the summer heat. I don’t like working in extreme heat. I hate working at height also.

What is the best thing about your teammates?    

We all share the same faith and values. We all believe in and have huge respect for each other. 

What is the most annoying thing about your teammates?    

None of us can read Al’s writing. I really can’t think of anything too annoying… sometimes I get frustrated when the rest of the team don’t agree/understand my design ideas.

Who in your family do you think is going to find this challenge the hardest and why?    

Al – because he will be working real hard and neither of us are as young as we used to be. Al has chronic pain in his back and legs and needs to take painkillers every day.

What was your first impression of your son-in-law?    

Amy and Matt were only 15 when they met (like Al and I!). He was (and still is) quite a different personality than Amy. He – the fun loving larrikin who was very disinterested in school work. Amy was much more studious and serious. 

What is your son-in-law’s biggest asset?    

His sunny, positive and incredibly generous/enthusiastic outlook. Also his big muscles! Matt is very strong. 

What do your friends/workmates think of getting into this challenge?    

Most think it’s great and we are up to it.

What is the most ambitious piece of DIY you have ever done?    

Earlier this year we all did an “emergency renovation” on an elderly relatives house. She is 83 and had fallen and broken her hip so we had one and a half weeks to make her house safe for her to come home to. We did the bathroom, kitchen, laundry and entrances (ramps etc) – we often laughed at the time that it was like The Block but less glamorous and harder work.

Describe your DIY style?    

We tend to make design decisions as we go – and allow the building/space to define the end result. Love to use things in unexpected ways. Our style tends to be rather rustic/natural but we also love things with history - and some ultra modern stuff.

What do you think is your secret weapon in this competition?     

God.

Which task(s) of the renovation do you think you will excel in?    

Colour/finishing/furnishing decisions. Anything to do with landscaping and gardening.

Which task(s) of the renovation are you most worried about?    

Getting the timing and ordering of supplies and tradesman right. I’m very aware of the time pressure of weekly room reveals.

What is the defining quality that you bring to the renovation?   

My ability to think outside the square – and to work hard / keep focused.