In a touching plea that has captured hearts worldwide, Daniel Thompson from Devon, England, is on a mission to find a very specific light blue sippy cup. This isn’t just any cup; it’s a Tommee Tippee model that holds great significance for his 13-year-old son, Oliver, who has autism. According to Daniel, Oliver refuses to drink from any other cup, creating a significant challenge for their family.
In a heartfelt Twitter post, Daniel shared, “Oliver hasn’t had a drink at school since he was five, and he won’t drink outside the house, which makes outings nearly impossible.” Many might assume that a thirsty child would eventually drink, but Daniel insists otherwise. “Two emergency room visits due to serious dehydration highlight that he simply won’t,” he explained.
The quest for this specific Tommee Tippee cup is particularly daunting because it has been discontinued for several years. Although Oliver currently owns one, it is deteriorating. Thanks to the power of social media, Daniel’s plea has resonated widely, garnering over 18,000 shares within days. People from across the globe are rummaging through their cupboards, hoping to find a duplicate. The hashtag #CupsForOliver has become a rallying cry, with even Tommee Tippee stepping in to offer support.
In an astonishing twist, numerous individuals have already reached out on Twitter, stating they have the cup and are willing to send it to Oliver. The importance of this cup cannot be overstated; children with autism often develop strong attachments to certain objects, and for Oliver, this cup is essential to his daily routine. “This little blue cup truly controls our lives,” Oliver shared. “We’re terrified to take it out of the house for fear of losing it. When it went missing at school for a day, we were sleepless and worried because Oliver wouldn’t drink.”
While the cups offered thus far are a promising start, Daniel faces the reality that he will need many more in the future. As the years progress, these cups will become increasingly scarce, prompting him to gather as many as he can now. Following the viral nature of his story, Daniel expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating, “The truth is, Oliver is unlikely to change, so I will need these cups for the rest of his life. That’s a significant number of cups.”
If you think you might have this cup, or if you want to assist in the search, you can reach out to Daniel on Twitter at @DThompsonProject or connect with Tommee Tippee at @tommeetippee_uk using the hashtag #CupsForOliver. Even if you don’t have the cup, sharing this story can help spread the word and reach more people.
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In summary, Daniel’s journey to find a simple blue sippy cup for his son has become a testament to the power of community and compassion. The search continues, reminding us that sometimes, even the smallest things can make a significant difference in someone’s life.