Boy with Autism has 'Time of his Life' Watching Shutters Close at Tesco

Jack Barber

Jack Barber is an 11-year-old boy with autism that lives in Maltby, South Yorkshire. He’s been very interested and attracted to electric shutters since he was younger and asked his mom to take him to the supermarket so he could see them at closing time.

His aunt, Sue Bledman-Alleyne, knew about his fascination with electric shutters so decided to write to the store. Thanks to his aunt, he was able to have ‘the time of his life’ after being invited into his local Tesco so he could watch the staff open and close the shutters, and then giving him his own Tesco T-shirt and bag of treats. 

"It's such a simple thing to do, but it's made his dream come true to see a shutter open and close. He is fascinated with where it goes and how it comes out - I think because it is so big and then it disappears,” said Barber’s aunt to The Daily Record.

The manager was very patient and good with Barber. She couldn’t stop smiling just looking at Barber and how happy he was. After this amazing invitation, Barber was asked if he wanted to go again for his birthday in January, and his family wanted to see if other stores would be pleased to let Barber go at closing time.

Barber’s aunt shared the story on a Facebook group where she received a lot of likes and comments congratulating and admiring the store.

"Jack has been patiently waiting for his Tesco T-shirt to dry, and his mum promised he could wear it tomorrow, and he said 'What if anybody recognizes me? I am famous now," said Barber’s aunt to The Daily Record.