The family of a young man with autism who is excited about turning 21 next month have made a heartfelt appeal for people to send him birthday cards.
James Weir, who lives in Bolton, Greater Manchester, finds it difficult to socialise and make friends because of his condition, which ‘breaks his family’s heart’.
His older sister Lucy said her brother is often quite lonely, and that she wants nothing more than to see a big smile on his face on his special day.
Determined to make sure it happens, Lucy, 23, posted an appeal on Facebook, asking for people to help surprise James by sending him a birthday card or message.
James Weir (right) pictured with sisters Lucy (left) and Rachel (centre) at Rachel’s wedding
It read: ‘This is James. My not-so-baby brother and he is turning 21 on the 30th November.
‘James has autism and this makes it difficult for him to make friends and socialise.
‘He gets anxious in social situations and finds it hard to communicate effectively with others. Sadly, James has no friends and it breaks our hearts.
‘So, I have come up with an idea/surprise for his birthday. I wondered if you kind folk out there will share this post and send James a birthday message or card.
‘Even if he only got a few I know he’d be over the moon!’ I want to make his milestone birthday extra special and put a big smile on that handsome face.’
Lucy said that James is a student at Brownlow Fold Community Centre College in Bolton.
Speaking about the importance of making James’s 21st memorable, Lucy said: ‘I’ve decided to do this because he’s my little brother and it breaks my heart everyday the fact he has no friends and that’s what he wants so much; along with a girlfriend.
‘He is a very lonely individual because he has no friends, which is really sad.
‘He will be over the moon with all this attention, I can see him smiling for days. Especially being in a newspaper as he’s always wanted to do something to go viral.’
James will celebrate his birthday on November 30.
James Weir, who lives in Bolton, Greater Manchester, finds it difficult to socialise and make friends because of his condition, which ‘breaks his family’s heart’