Gillian Jervis set up her and her husband's fish and chip shop to secure their autistic child's future
When Gillian Jervis' son was just a baby, a stranger's comment changed her perspective. While scrolling on a forum, a social media comment seemed targeted towards her child, who lives with autism."I sometimes think I dreamt the comment and that I made it all up, because why would you say something like that?," she told LancsLive. "Have I read it wrong? I went through all of those emotions - it knocked me sideways.
Oliver's autism has caused communication difficulties, but fortunately is able to express himself through other means. Gillian exemplifies this through the facilities at Oliver's Chippy, using visual screens on the tills as opposed to words and phrases. "You've got people with a stutter, so I've looked at it this way. Before people start to speak, they look at pictures don't they? It's better to see a picture of what you want, it gives you the confidence to come into my shop and order what you want without saying it."
Since opening, the chippy have fed more than 1,300 children and supported other families across the Fylde Coast. This includes giving away a family holiday, an iPad, air fryer and over 100 competition meals.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Strictly's Bobby Brazier Opens Up About Not Missing His Late Mum Jade GoodyStrictly Come Dancing star Bobby Brazier has opened up about his feelings towards famous mum Jade Goody after she tragically died from cervical cancer when he was five years old
Read more »
Man 'snapped' at parents after always buying sister presents on his birthdayThe 18-year-old said that his mum and dad mollycoddled his sister.
Read more »
Man Snaps at Parents for Buying Sister Presents on His BirthdayThe 18-year-old said that his mum and dad mollycoddled his sister.
Read more »
Live updates as Natalie Bennett sentenced for murder of boyfriend Kasey AndersonThe 47-year-old mum stabbed 24-year-old Kasey Anderson in the heart
Read more »
Foster Mum Convicted of Murdering One-Year-Old GirlKatie Tidmarsh, 39, was found guilty of causing catastrophic head injuries to Ruby Thompson in August 2012.
Read more »
Evil foster mum who murdered one-year-old girl faces life in jailKatie Tidmarsh, 39, was found guilty of causing catastrophic head injuries to Ruby Thompson in August 2012.
Read more »