Schoolboy's touching letter to role model and I’m a Celebrity contestant Anne Hegerty about shared autism experience

Joseph Hughes, 11, from Preston, who wrote to Anne Hegerty
PA
Katy Clifton20 November 2018

An 11-year-old’s heartfelt letter to I’m a Celebrity's Anne Hegerty about how she has inspired him through their shared experience of autism has melted hearts across the nation.

Joseph Hughes, from Peston, was diagnosed with autism at the age of five and, according to his mother Kate Jarvis, is a “lovely little boy” but has “quite a few struggles, especially socially”.

Ms Jarvis, 31, said her son was “amazed” when he first saw Anne Hegerty, who has Asperger’s syndrome, starring as The Governess on ITV gameshow The Chase.

Now, after Ms Hegerty joined I'm a Celebrity and spoke about her difficulty coping since entering the jungle, the schoolboy has written to his role model to offer his support.

Joseph's letter to Anne Hegerty about their shared experience of autism
PA

The touching letter, which has been shared thousands of times online, says: “I think you are very brave for going in the jungle, I couldn’t go there because there are too many bugs. You are very clever.

“Sometimes people are mean to me because I am autistic but watching you makes me see that other people can have autism too and maybe I can have a cool job like you when I’m older.”

He added: “Good luck in the jungle I hope you win.”

Anne Hegerty (right) on I'm a Celebrity
ITV/Rex/Shutterstock

He also wrote: “Do you like Thunderbirds? I love them. My favourite is Thunderbirds 2. I have drawn you a picture, I hope you like it.”

A video has now been shared of Joseph gasping in delight when learning the creators of Thunderbirds would be sending him a special gift in response to his letter.

The schoolboy sent the letter after The Chase star was seen discussing her condition, which the NHS says can affect a person’s social interactions, communication, interests and behaviour.

On the show's first day on Sunday, a clearly upset Ms Hegerty said she was "really, really close to saying I can't do this" before talking in more detail about the condition on Monday night.

Thousands of people have reacted positively to Ms Hegerty speaking about her experience with Asperger's syndrome.

Anne Hegerty, who stars in The Chase
PA

One woman tweeted: "As the mother of a son with Asperger's Syndrome I am delighted to see Anne Hegarty in I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. Best of luck to her."

Another wrote: “Anne Hegerty I think you are an amazing person for doing what you have and highlighting how people with autism have different needs and are the most unique people in their own ways!

"My daughter for one is unique and we hope to see you crowned queen of the jungle!"

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