A MUM will spend 50 hours in a confined glass box for more than two days to raise awareness of autism.

Tasha Coupe, from Blackburn, will sit in the six square metre box for more than two days in the foyer of the Tesco store in Hill Street.

The 25-year-old, who has a four-year-old daughter, Oaklie, is aiming to gain a better understanding of the condition through the 'Locked in for Autism' challenge.

The Tesco worker said despite autism affecting large numbers of children in East Lancashire, it fails to make the headlines.

She said: "Although I don’t have a direct connection to autism I do appreciate that for some children it can be a challenging condition.

"People have told me that it can be a lonely place when your child is diagnosed on the autistic spectrum.

"I’m hoping that parents of children with the condition come into the store and tell me about their experiences.

"Only by talking to them will I begin to get a better understanding of the challenges that they face each and every day, and I’ll then be able to pass this knowledge on to my colleagues in store."

The former St Wilfrid’s Academy pupil said her inspiration for the challenge was the work carried out by Caudwell Children, a charity which helps support disabled youngsters and their families.

Mrs Coupe said: "I’m really excited about getting in the box.

"I’m not bothered about people staring at me throughout the 50 hours and I aim to keep myself busy by setting myself a series of challenges every hour, although I’m not sure what these will be yet.

“My colleagues will also be doing things outside the box, like selling cupcakes, to raise funds for Caudwell Children."

Andy Bailey, from Caudwell Children said the event will help put charity on the map in East Lancashire.

He said: "Tasha’s selfless 50 hour lock in will give me the opportunity to explain to shoppers how the charity supports children with autism.

"While I appreciate that every child’s condition is different, many parents of autistic children have told me that the box is a perfect metaphor for the condition.

"Feeling conspicuous, being viewed from every angle with no place to hide, and struggling to communicate with those outside the box are things that many parents relate to.

"Tasha’s time in the box will really put the charity on the map in Blackburn and East Lancashire."

The event will take place at midday on Thursday, May 4, and will finish at 2pm on Saturday, May 6.

Money can be donated at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lockedintasha.