A DISABLED woman who says her York house was left a mess by builders has been saved by ‘knights in shining armour’ who stepped in to help for free.

Sarah Ibbotson, 39, says she spent £10,000 of her own money and £30,000 in government grants for a new wetroom and a downstairs bedroom for herself and her 10 year old son, who is autistic.

But the mum, who suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a condition that affects her mobility, came home from a holiday at the end of August and says she found her house unfinished, in “a mess” and without any heating.

Sarah, of Burgess Walk, Foxwood, placed adverts for tradespeople for various jobs including fixing her central heating, roof lead fitting and door fitting.

Roy Allen, a builder from Bradford, came to fit a door and when he saw the state of the house he offered to help for free.

Yesterday, Roy, his three brothers and his dad, attended the property to help fix Sarah’s heating, lead her roof and fix her door that wouldn’t close.

Sarah said: “I am so grateful that they have come to help me.

“I have no money left in my savings and with winter coming, the prospect of having no heating has been absolutely daunting.

“They have been my knights in shining armour and have done more work than I received in four months.”

Sarah added that she was grateful to Ashton Construction, DM Windows and City Glass for providing materials to get the work done.

Roy said: “I arrived about three weeks ago to fit a door for Sarah.

“I was a bit early so she greeted me and told me the whole fiasco.

“I couldn’t believe it.

“The place was a mess and the window that had been fitted was being held up by a few screws and the door wouldn’t shut, allowing in huge gusts of air.

“She had been left in such a bad position and I knew that we could do something to help so I called my brothers and my dad.”

Roy’s brothers are all in the building trade. Lee is a builder and Wayne and Glenn specialise in roofing.

Roy added that his dad, Dave, is good at “helping out” and was a great extra pair of hands.

He said: “We managed to organise a day that we could all come down to help.

“We have managed to make the house liveable again and at least now they won’t be freezing at night.

“It’s far from perfect but it’s a lot better and it’s great to know that you have helped two people in need to get back on their feet.”

Sarah added: “I have been through hell and it is nice to know there are people still out there who have a heart to help.

“I will sleep better now knowing that the house is secure."

"My thanks also to Ashton Construction Scarborough, Howarth Timber in York and Graham Steveson."