Birthday boy Ben Jackson was left smiling thanks to the kindness of strangers
Having autism can sometimes mean it’s hard for children to make friends, but both Ben Jackson and his mum Lisa were left heartbroken when not one person turned up to his 10th birthday party. Many from the greeting card industry are among those who helped to ensure that it wasn’t a lonely birthday for Ben this year.
Ben’s mum Lisa, had invited 25 children to Ben’s birthday celebrations at their home in Southsea, near Portsmouth, last summer, but only two parents replied to say their children would be coming – and in the end the party start time came and went as poor Ben waited in vain for his guests to arrive.
Determined that things would be different for his 11th birthday, Lisa put out an appeal on social media asking if people would be willing to send Ben a card – and they responded in their droves from all over the world.
Royal Mail said tens of thousands of cards had been sent, some from as far away as India, South Africa and Australia, and dedicated postal trolleys were set up at Portsmouth sorting office to handle Ben’s birthday card haul.
“My other birthday was awful – this one is a big improvement,” Ben said. “I couldn’t believe my eyes. I have so many cards I’m astonished – thank you everyone.”
Lisa added: “(This will be a birthday) he will never forget, but for all the right reasons.”
