10,000 cards help James toast his 21st
AN autistic man has been sent thousands of cards and gifts for his 21st birthday from well-wishers across the globe.
James Weir’s face was one of joy as he attempted to wade through stacks of messages and presents from strangers.
His sister Lucy, whose Facebook post appealed for cards to help make his day special, said: “He was so overwhelmed but I can tell he’s so happy,
“I don’t think he can take it in – I’m still struggling to take it in, it feels like a dream!”
James’s dream of ‘going viral’ also came true when his loved ones revealed just how his big birthday surprise had come about – and how far his story had travelled.
On her Facebook post Lucy explained that because of his condition, he finds it hard to make friends and is often alone – something which breaks his family’s heart. In less than 24 hours, the 23-yearold received more than 3,000 messages online for her little brother, with hundreds of cards arriving in the following days.
The Bolton family’s story appeared in the media in countries all over the world. Lucy received more than 6,000 emails and took the time to reply individually to each one.
It’s estimated 10,000 cards and around 200 presents were delivered – which took James’ mum April six hours to sort through and organise.
Speaking as her brother sifted through his presents, Lucy said: “He’s my little brother and I’m so protective of him and it just means the world that he’s so happy and that he’s going to have the best 21st birthday we could have wished for.”
James said a big thank you to his new friends for his cards and gifts – which include clothes, Lego and Titanic and space-themed presents.