Q&A with Scott Mills on DIY SOS Children in Need Special

This is the second year you have done a big Radio 2 collaboration with DIY SOS and Children in Need, why do you think these builds work so well?

Everyone just loves a collaboration don’t they? - and this one is a perfect match! At Radio 2 we have always been big fans of DIY SOS and the station are huge supporters of BBC Children in Need too - as you’ll know from all the of challenges they have the presenters doing each year! I’m never getting on a treadmill again after last year, I still have blisters!

It’s great to get everyone together, and use the power of the radio to help get these builds over the line. The Radio 2 listeners are incredible at coming together, and they did not let us down with this one. People from all across the UK helped us find volunteers and materials to help make this build an incredible place for Treetops Hospice.

What did you enjoy most about being on the building site?

Well, after last year’s visit to site I knew a bit more about what I was getting myself into and didn’t fall for as many fools errands as they were sending me on last year! I loved being on the building site and chatting to all of the people who were volunteering their time. It might come as a surprise to some people, but every person is giving up their time and materials for free, with many of them giving up a paid days or weeks work to help out and do their bit to benefit others – it’s always such a welcoming and positive environment to be in so when I got the chance to put the hard hat and high viz back on this year I jumped at the chance!

Did you get hands on and muck in?

Last year I was the new boy , therefore I was the apprentice on the build. This year a lot has changed. You’ll have to watch to find out, but let’s just say you can learn a LOT in 12 months!

Let’s just say I have never had anything to fall back on until now – so if the radio thing doesn’t work out…!

What is your most successful DIY attempt? Do you have any that have gone a bit awry?

I must admit, I have never attempted it. I think I tried to put together some shelves from IKEA once but then ended up asking my dad. It’s so hard! I’m the same as my mum, I have no logic! I can spend half an hour trying to put up an ironing board. I just can’t do it! The things that are simple to most people, just aren’t to me.