Marc Carter’s determination and drive caring for his autistic teenage son Ben is as touching as it is stoic.
The father-of-three special-needs kids made a desperate plea to the world to help him on his quest to finding a replacement for Ben’s beloved Tommee Tippee cup.
Since Ben was two years old, he has adored the blue, two-handled cup. Now 14, Ben has used the same cup for three years and it’s beginning to fall apart.
Although, much to Ben’s father’s dismay, the production of this particular type of cup has been discontinued.
It was this revelation that caused Marc to take to Twitter on November 14, writing, “Reward for cup like this! Son has severe #autism & would rather go to A&E dehydrated than use ANY other cup… PLEASE SHARE.”
Well, share the Twittersphere did. Marc’s post was retweeted 12,000 times, and his post managed to fall into the laps of Tommee Tippee in the UK.
The baby-product manufacturer apparently usually discards product moulds that are discontinued, including the mould of Ben’s adored cup. But after searching all of their production factories across the globe, they managed to find the once-popular mould.
And now Tommee Tippee have promised to make Ben 500 cups so he will never have to go without it. For free.
“We are delighted to confirm that we are able to start production on a run of the original cup,” a Tommee Tippee spokesperson says.
“This will ensure that Ben has a lifetime supply and that his family won’t ever have to worry about finding another cup for Ben.”
As reported by the BBC, Marc can’t contain his joy, stating, “I would not be happier if I won the lottery. We’ve moved down to the middle of nowhere and don’t want much.”
“This tiny blue cup dictates our life.”
“Just knowing he has got these cups gives us peace of mind.”
WATCH Ben’s dad Marc talk about Tommee Tippee’s generous donation.
