'I'm A Celeb' Fans In Tears As Anne Hegerty Receives Book From Supporters Living With Autism
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Viewers of the I'm A Celebrity: The Coming Out Show were left in tears last night after Anne Hegerty was presented with a book of messages from autistic supporters she had inspired.
Anne, who was diagnosed with Asperger's aged 45, met with fellow campmate Rita Simons who presented her with the book with messages from fans who said Anne appearing on the show had made an impact on them.
When handing the book over, Rita read out the front cover, which said: "Thank you Anne from autistic people and their families."
She added: "And it is full of messages, look at this, do you want to have a read?
"Look how many are in there, Anne. People have just been dying for someone to come out and talk about autism on a massive scale like this."
Anne was visibly shocked when presented with the book and asked how it was all put together.
We had over 800 of our supporters fill in our book to @anne_hegerty - with over 130 pages for @anne_hegerty to enjoy! Thanks to each and every one of you! :purple_heart: #ImACeleb pic.twitter.com/oovDecztKV
- National Autistic Society (@Autism) December 12, 2018
She said to Rita: "Oh my god. How many pages are there?
"This must have taken so much work, how fabulous. I'm loving it.
"Apparently I've been some sort of inspiration. I would say I'm awed and it's such a cliché but actually humbled."
Watching #imaceleb coming out and just seen the bit when @anne_hegerty was given the book with all the messages from people. Knowing somewhere in there hopefully is my message has just made me emotional! She's one amazing woman! She is my winner
- :snowflake:Jingle Bells Shelly Smells:snowflake: (@shelly_anne83) December 12, 2018
Fans were in bits at Anne's reaction and the meaning behind the book.
One fan, who actually made a submission for the book, wrote: "Watching #imaceleb coming out and just seen the bit when @anne_hegerty was given the book with all the messages from people.
"Knowing somewhere in there hopefully is my message has just made me emotional! She's one amazing woman! She is my winner."
Awh that book is sooo cute for Anne #imaceleb
- Becky:sparkles: (@Becky_Stokes01) December 12, 2018
Another added: "Rita presenting @anne_hegerty with her @Autism book was TV moment of the year. Just beautiful."
A third said: "So Anne received a book full of messages from people with autism .. how amazing!"
Anne visibly struggled at the beginning of her jungle journey and openly spoke to her camp mates about her concerns.
@anne_hegerty is so #AutisticallyAwesome she's helped people to realise "Never judge a book by its cover" well done Governess!!! #ImACeleb
- Shenise Bennett (@OfficialSBModel) December 6, 2018
Speaking to Nick Knowles, Anne opened up in a heart to heart during on her motives for signing up to the show.
Anne explained: "I spent the first three days asking myself that and on the first night I lay awake all night crying just thinking what have I done.
"So I started to list all the people I was going to disappoint. Now I can imagine staying until I get voted off."
A young boy with autism also wrote a touching letter to Anne to tell her how she had inspired him and how one day he 'wanted a cool job like her'.
Topics: TV News, TV Entertainment, I'm A Celebrity