A GRANDMOTHER is set to lock herself in a glass box for 50 hours to raise awareness of autism.

Alison Booth, 49, will put her life on hold and spend more than two days inside a three by two metre glass box at the Tesco Extra store in Centenary Way, Burnley.

The mum-of-four said she hopes her sleepwalking habit does not disturb late night shoppers.

The administration assistant of 10 years is raising money and awareness for Cauldwell Children, a charity which supports those with autism and their families.

Mrs Booth said she was inspired to take on the challenge after Blackburn’s Tasha Coupe completed a similar challenge at the Tesco store in Hill Street earlier this year.

She said: “I’m a deep sleeper and once I’m gone that’s it.

“The box is fairly small and I’m worried that if I sleepwalk I may walk into the glass.

“But I’ll happily endure the odd bump and bruise if I can raise awareness of autism.

“Although I don’t have a direct connection to autism I do see a lot of children in the store with the condition.

“Every Tuesday the store operates a ‘Quiet Time’ policy for people with autism.

“Between 8am and 10pm we stop playing any music in the store and we dim the lights and leave the doors open making it a much better environment for those with the condition.”

More than 133,000 children suffer with autism in the UK, according to the charity.

Andy Bailey, from Caudwell Children, said: “Alison’s selfless 50 hour lock in will give me the opportunity to explain to shoppers how the charity supports children with autism.

“Whilst 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.

“Alison’s time in the box will really put the charity on the map in Burnley and the surrounding area.”

Mrs Booth will enter the box at noon on Thursday, June 15, and will not leave until 2pm on Saturday, June 17.

Mrs Booth said: “I want parents to know that there is help and support out there from the charity.

“If my time being ‘Locked in for Autism’ highlights their work, and helps people to understand the needs of autistic children, then it will all be worthwhile.”