Geberit was able to help a lady struck down by a debilitating illness enjoy greater independence and dignity when using the bathroom, when it answered a call from the BBC’s DIY SOS.

Since suffering a brain infection four years ago which left her unable to walk and talk, June Finlay had been sleeping on a hospital bed in the kitchen with no access to washing or toilet facilities. Totally dependent on husband John to help her take care of even the most basic of June’s needs, Geberit was only too happy to help change the couple’s lives for the better.

Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS team, along with many local tradesmen who volunteered their time to help on the project in Sunderland, created a ground floor wet room for June. The inclusion of a Geberit AquaClean 8000plus Care shower toilet means that June can now enjoy a greater feeling of independence when using the bathroom.

During the programme, which aired on BBC One on 12 May, John said: “June’s now got access to a proper toilet for the first time in four years.” The couple’s daughter, Heather added: “It’s going to make a huge, huge difference to my mum and dad’s lives.”

Designed specifically with the needs of people with reduced mobility such as June in mind, the Geberit’s AquaClean 8000plus combines the convenience of a warm water wash and a warm air-dryer to leave the user feeling fresh and clean.

The extending spray arm of the WC washes with a gentle, oscillating or pulsating jet of warm water, before gently drying with a flow of warm air. The Geberit AquaClean 8000plus Care incorporates the very latest technology to make operation simple by the user or care giver.

“Being able to use the bathroom and wash independently is so important to a person’s overall sense of wellbeing and it was clear that June and John really needed our help,” comments Geberit AquaClean Marketing Communications Manager, Sangita Mistry. “Hopefully the Geberit AquaClean 8000plus Care will give June back the sense of dignity that she has lost since becoming ill and relieve some of the strain that comes with being a carer from John’s shoulders too.”