Parents thank Twitter users for helping them find discontinued Postman Pat video for their autistic son
He loves watching the episodes he finds on YouTube. However, he also likes having a physical copy to line up with other ones near his bed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The parents of a severely autistic teenager have praised "the kindness of complete strangers" after Twitter users helped them find a discontinued Postman Pat video to give him as a Christmas present.
James and Cindy Dutton, from Ruislip in west London, took to social media after son Thomas, 19, asked for Postman Pat's Prize Postbag on VHS on his handwritten gift list.
"Thomas is autistic with severe learning disability, and finds the written word easier than speaking to express himself," they said in a statement.
"It's only been the third Christmas that he has really been aware of being able to ask for presents."
The couple, who are no longer married, said Thomas wrote the list over the weekend and it consists of entirely second-hand gifts, from a Monsters University jigsaw to more videos with Postman Pat and Fireman Sam.
Thomas's parents said he has "always been obsessed with children's characters" and that one of his favourites is Postman Pat.
"He loves watching the episodes he finds on YouTube. However, he also likes having a physical copy to line up with other ones near his bed."
They had managed to find every item on Thomas's list apart from Postman Pat's Prize Postbag, so they took to social media.
Ms Dutton's plea on Facebook was shared several times, but Mr Dutton's tweet received a huge response with more than 7,500 retweets.
Jill Hulme, from Bournemouth, saw the tweet after Strictly Come Dancing performer Brendan Cole shared it, and contacted Mr Dutton to tell him she had a copy she was about to give to charity.
"It really is a wonderful story which I'm so grateful to be part of," she said. "I have three boys who, when I told what had happened, were so pleased to hear that Thomas would be getting such a great surprise on Christmas morning."
Mr Dutton, 48, a professional flautist, and Ms Dutton, 45, a nurse, said Bournemouth is "one of Thomas's favourite places" and they will collect the VHS over the weekend.
"It will mean a huge amount for him on Christmas Day," they added. "Nothing he asks for is a high-cost item, but it's all about the value to him and his innocent child-like enjoyment of life.
"We have both been overwhelmed by the response from members of the public, with so many suggestions, advice and offers to search garages and attics on our behalf!
"I think the biggest thing that we have learned is the power of social media for good things, and the kindness of complete strangers."
Press Association
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments