In a profoundly moving segment from The Repair Shop On The Road, expert Will Kirk was visibly moved while restoring a cherished chess set with a deeply poignant family history. The emotional moment unfolded as guest Debbi shared the story of her late father, who crafted the chess pieces by hand before tragically passing away from multiple sclerosis at the age of just 37.
A Treasured Family Heirloom
Debbi brought the handmade chess set to the BBC programme, hoping the restoration experts could return it to its former glory. She explained to Will Kirk that her father had personally moulded and created each chess piece, though she believed he might not have made the board itself. The set represented one of her most precious connections to her father, who died when she was only 13 years old.
"To have something that I can hold, that he has held. It's invaluable," Debbi expressed in a caption shared on The Repair Shop's official Instagram account, perfectly capturing the emotional significance of the restoration project.
Childhood Memories Around The Chessboard
When Will Kirk asked about her earliest memories of the chess set, Debbi recalled tender moments from her childhood. "Probably coming home from primary school and wanting to sit with dad and learn chess," she shared. "I probably would have been five or six, you know, just that family time that comes from sitting around a board game together."
She described her father as a devoted family man and acknowledged being "definitely a daddy's girl." Her mother had noted seeing many of her father's qualities reflected in Debbi herself, adding another layer of emotional resonance to the chess set restoration.
The Tragic Impact Of Multiple Sclerosis
Debbi revealed the heartbreaking progression of her father's illness, which began showing symptoms when the family lived in Canada. They made the difficult decision to return to Scotland to be closer to family support as his health declined.
The transformation was devastating – from an active father who would play football in the garden and throw her over his shoulder, to becoming bedridden as the progressive multiple sclerosis took hold. "He had really progressive multiple sclerosis, and it took his life when he was 37," Debbi explained, with Will Kirk visibly affected by her story.
Why This Restoration Mattered So Deeply
When Will asked why this particular chess set held such importance among her father's possessions, Debbi's response highlighted the tangible connection it provided. "He has put the time and the effort into crafting each piece," she said. "To have something that I can hold, that he has held, it's invaluable, and that's why restoring it so that it can be used, so that I can teach my kids how to play chess on it."
The restoration wasn't merely about preserving an object, but about maintaining a living connection between generations – allowing Debbi to share with her children the same game her father had taught her decades earlier.
Viewer Reactions And Emotional Impact
The segment deeply touched viewers who responded with empathy and admiration. One fan commented, "Such a beautiful chess set. I'm so sorry to hear such an awful story of your father's passing," while another expressed, "Fantastic story. Can't wait to watch this episode."
Others praised the craftsmanship, with one admirer noting, "Beautiful Lewis chess set replica. Love it!" and another enthusing, "It's such a BEAUTIFUL chess set."
The emotional episode of The Repair Shop On The Road, featuring Will Kirk's sensitive restoration work and Debbi's powerful family story, is currently available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, showcasing the programme's unique ability to blend craftsmanship with deeply human narratives.
