An appearance by a grandmother and her grandson on BBC One’s The Repair Shop saw viewers heap praise and respect on the duo, after leaving some people in tears. Heather McPherson took along her grandson Jacob, 12, to get their run-down family table fixed.
It was thought the table was made in the Victorian era, showing its age, wear and tear over the years. Speaking about the history behind the table, Heather explained how much the table meant to her. She said: “It’s always been in my life.
“It was the family table when my kids – Jacob’s dad and his aunt – were growing up. Because it’s a kitchen table, the conversations we had around it, you know, first boyfriends, first girlfriends, we’d just sit across the kitchen table and chat about stuff.
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“I can’t tell you how many tears that table’s had on it. Lots of laughter too.”
Jacob said: “I have memories with me and dad around it. I remember having meals with him. I remember doing arts and crafts. I just remember being with my dad around the table.”
It transpired that Jacob’s dad died after being involved in a car accident. Jacob was six years old at the time. Heather said about her grandson: “He’s just been so very brave. He amazes me every day.”
Furniture restorer and presenter Jay Blades MBE, 52, said: “A lot of the time you knew him, was around the table, doing stuff together?”
Jacob replied: “Normally we’d have Sunday dinner which was my dad’s favorite dinner, roast chicken. I remember having it every single time.”
The table was brought in due to its unstable nature, which Heather and Jacob were hoping to get help with from The Repair Shop team. Jacob said: “Whenever I sit at the table, it feels like my dad is with me.
“And that whenever I’m laughing, he’s somewhere laughing with me and just sharing the joy of being with my family. It’s quite nice.”
Blades described Jacob as “brave,” “inspiring” and the team set to work on the unsteady, rickety table. After extensive repair, the table was unveiled to Jacob who said the table was “amazing.”
Heather said: “It’s never looked as good as that. Ever.”
Jacob said: “It doesn’t look like the rickety thing it used to be. Thank you so much!”
Viewers were quick to react to the show on social media.
@LeslieMilnes said: “The table was stunning lovely little boy.”
@MRabess said: “Jacob’s reaction to seeing the repaired table was priceless. Great job.”
@ClaretAndBloos said: “What a lovely, smart and polite young lad Jacob is on #TheRepairShop. His mum must be so proud.”
@Maxaretunit said: “Who’s crying then? Own up!”
@BListAtCapital said: “I’m crying over a table. #TheRepairShop”
@Yantofullpelt33 posted a crying emoji and wrote: “An old kitchen table but just any old kitchen table.”
Rebecca Jones @rebeccajones932 said: “No matter how many times I cover #TheRepairShop for work I always end up sobbing at my desk. It’s too much!”
@CelticBob1967 said: “These people on #therepairshop are such brilliant and skilled craftsmen/women. Amazing!!!”
@RiscaCCS_Head said: “Another fantastic episode of #therepairshop. Some extraordinary and emotional stories, amazing people, and brilliant restoration of some very special things. That table!
@Dori_J said: “Always such a warm fuzzy feeling watching this programme.”
