Sister asks the internet to help celebrate her autistic brother's 21st birthday

If this story doesn't give you the feels, nothing will

Let me introduce you to the world’s most awesome big sister.

Lucy Weir, 23, is on a mission to make her autistic brother’s 21st birthday one to remember.

James’s condition makes him struggle with anxiety in social situations.

With this milestone birthday coming up at the end of November, Lucy decided to ask the internet for help in making it extra special.

She started her campaign on Facebook earlier this week, writing in a post: “This is James. My not-so-baby brother and he is turning 21 on 30 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!”

Lucy included a postal address in Bolton, England, for birthday cards to be sent to.

She signed off saying, “I want to make his milestone birthday extra special and put a big smile on that handsome face. Thank you everybody.

“Feel free to share.”

And the internet obliged. 

Hundreds of people have shared the post and left supportive comments, with cards apparently en route from as far afield as Japan and Canada. Gifts including cinema tickets, a visit to a planetarium and a personalised birthday cake have also been offered.

As the story has gathered momentum, other people who are affected by autism have been sending good wishes to James and posting their own personal stories.

One Facebook user wrote, "I have two autistic family members and my sister has Williams syndrome, external so I know the struggles you may face! But don't let it bring you down you are a very special person and deserve all the happiness in the world!"

Lucy got the idea for the online call-out after taking part in similar initiatives herself: “I have sent cards across the globe, so I had a light-bulb moment that I could do the same for our James too,” she told BBC Three.

“The response has been overwhelming - I have had over 3,000 emails."

And Lucy has an additional surprise for her brother – she’s compiling a book for his birthday chronicling James’s rise to internet fame.

“My brother will be over the moon - he's always wanted to go viral, and now it’s happened!”

Happy 21st birthday, James!