A COLEFORD fam­­ily is hoping the Forest's famed community spirit will come to their aid and help transform their lives.

Sean and Lisa Tingle are hoping big-hearted Foresters will help build an extension to the family home in The Paddocks for Sean who is almost confined to a hospital bed in the living room.

The couple say they have 'tried all ways' – even having discussions with producers of a TV makeover show – and are now issuing the appeal which was suggested by friend Jenny Roberts.

Sean and Lisa have been given a £30,000 grant by the Forest of Dean Council to build the extension which would include a bedroom and wetroom – but the cost of the project is around £40,000.

Friend Jenny said: "We would like to help this Forest family to get some normality back into their lives.

"We are looking for people who could help in any way by donating skills, time, materials, furnishings or equipment.

"We particularly need somebody who can manage the project."

Sean and Lisa's lives were changed forever when Sean was hospitalised after being bitten on the legs by an insect while the couple were on honeymoon in the Dominican Republic in 2004.

When they returned home Sean collapsed with meningitis and pneumonia and although he was tested for some tropical diseases, a fuller investigation by specialists in London did not take place for another two years.

His condition worsened affecting major organs including his lungs and bowel, he is also insulin-dependent and cannot even walk upstairs.

Lisa said: "Sean has been in the living room for two and a half years on a hospital bed because he can't get upstairs.

"We've had a council grant for £30,000 but we've had quotes for an extension with bedroom and wetroom and the minimum has been £40,000.

"We've tried all ways to find a way of getting the work done but none of us has any quality of life.

"The children can't have friends around and Sean doesn't have much dignity because he is living in the living room.

"We don't know what we are going to do unless we get help from other people – Jenny has suggested this (appeal) and I feel its the only way we'll get something done so we can have a normal life."

If you can help, contact the appeal by e-mail at [email protected]">[email protected] Donations can also be made at Drybrook Post Office.