Mum is left absolutely speechless after Mothercare did this amazing thing for her son who has autism
FOR mum Steph Opogah, a trip to get her son a new pair of shoes ended up leaving her speechless.
She was left frantic after her two-year-old boy outgrew his beloved colourful trainers.
They were the only ones the youngster, who suffers from autism, was willing to wear.
Staff at Steph's local branch of Mothercare told her the canvas shoes - decorated with a rainbow and toadstool - had been discontinued, but suggested she tried calling head office.
After making a desperate plea over the phone, kind-hearted bosses decided to surprise Steph with a giant shipment of the footwear, meaning her son will be kept happy for years to come.
Writing on Facebook, Steph has now thanked the high street children’s wear chain for their sweet gesture, adding that she is “overwhelmed”.
Her post, which was accompanied by a picture of her toddler’s new shoes, has now gone viral - shared more than 30,000 times and liked almost 100,000 times.
Steph, from Somerset, wrote: “My youngest son is two and a half. He's beautiful, funny, bright, affectionate and he also has autism.
“Around six months ago, I bought him a pair of pumps for him from Mothercare. They were really cute.
“They were brightly coloured and detailed with a toadstool and a rainbow. My son loved them.
“Which is really something, because he processes sensory information differently to some others.
Today this arrived in the post. I am overwhelmed! I called to ask how I pay for them, and Mothercare said they were a gift and that no payment was required
Steph Opogah
“He can't tolerate the feeling of buckles or socks or wet grass beneath his toes.
"Some surfaces he's so sensitive to, he has to be carried. But he loved these shoes.”
Steph continued: “A little while ago, when his toes were beginning to burst through the side of his favourite shoes, I took him back to Mothercare to try some new ones.
“This time, he wouldn't let any other shoes touch his feet. He became totally overwhelmed and frightened if I attempted to put shoes on.
“The whole store was staring at us as his screams reached every corner.”
The mum then went on to explain that Mothercare no longer sold his rainbow and toadstool shoes, originally £8.99 and designed by celebrity Jools Oliver for her Little Bird range, leaving her “stuck”.
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She said: “I asked at the main desk if I could order some in, but was told that wasn't an option, but I could give head office a call.
“So I called them once I got home and relayed my predicament. A kind lady told me she would do her best to help.
“Today this arrived in the post. I am overwhelmed! I called to ask how I pay for them, and Mothercare said they were a gift and that no payment was required.”
Steph added: “Struggles like this are a daily occurrence for families with Autism.
“But the journey is made so much easier when there is kind helping hands and hearts out there.”
Andy Harding, Mothercare chief customer officer, said: "We are delighted that Mrs Opogah and her son are happy with their new Little Bird shoes, and are very proud of our employees who took the initiative to arrange this kind gesture."
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