Doncaster woman's tears of joy after late dad's table restored on TV's The Repair Shop

This was the moment a Doncaster woman wept tears of joy after her late father’s pride and joy homemade card table was restored by experts on TV’s The Repair Shop.
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Viewers of last night’s BBC One show saw an emotional Christine Clay burst into tears after the vintage table was restored to its former glory.

The show sees members of the public bringing treasured family heirlooms to a wide variety of experts to repair – and furniture expert Will Kirk was given the tough task of repairing Christine’s chequerboard card table, which had been crafted by her late dad.

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Telling presenter Jay Blades how her dad had made the table in his garage as a hobby, she explained how the table had been a key part of the family’s life for decades.

Christine Clay bursts into tears after her table was restored on TV's The Repair Shop. (Photo: BBC).Christine Clay bursts into tears after her table was restored on TV's The Repair Shop. (Photo: BBC).
Christine Clay bursts into tears after her table was restored on TV's The Repair Shop. (Photo: BBC).

She said: “Friday night was card night. It was the pub first, then drinks back at mum and dads. Dad was very competitive at cards, it was an important part of the week."

Following her dad’s cancer diagnosis and death a few months later, Christine got in touch with the show hoping experts could restore the battered table to its former glory.

Painstakingly removing veneer to repair the table, Will was able to have it looking as good as new with sanding, a string of coats of polish and topping it with glass to prevent future damage.

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She said: “After dad’s death, it makes it even more special to us, that it’s put back to how it was all those years ago.

After the table was finally revealed in its restored form, an overjoyed Christine hugged presenters Will and Jay and said: “”Oh my god. Thank you so much. Wow!

"It’s beautiful. You’ve done an amazing job. I’m so grateful, you’ve brought it back to life.

"My dad was a very emotional person and he would be in buckets now. He would be so pleased with it.”

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"I’m going to take it home and play cards on it. I really, really appreciate it.”

She added: “It is beyond my wildest dreams. It brings back amazing memories. I will raise a few glasses to dad and play a few card games in his memory.”