THE community, football clubs and celebrities have come together to support an autistic boy spending his 18th birthday in hospital.

Sam Cannon from South Ockendon is being treated for an infection in his collar bone so the Thurrock brand of the National Autistic Society put out an appeal for pin badges, as Sam has a passion for collecting them.

The appeal went viral with football teams and a world famous comedian sending support.

Sam’s dad, Kevin Cannon, 51, from South Ockendon said: “Sam has collected the pins for years and has got between 200 and 300.

“The society put out the appeal and asked if anyone could help for his birthday.

“We’ve had so many people sending stuff in from all over the country.

“He is being treated with antibiotics but now Basildon Hospital wants to do an MRI scan for further tests.

“Sam is so thrilled so many people have sent badges. He has also had so many well wishes, which he was also very happy about.

“For me to see his face light up for the first time since he’s been in hospital is amazing.

“Aveley Football Club sent a video message to say get well soon and happy birthday and comedian James Cordon sent a message. So did West Ham United, we’ve been blown away by the support.”

Michelle Bedding, from the National Autistic Society Thurrock branch said: “Samuel and his family have been regular members of the National Autistic Society Thurrock Branch since it began in September 2015.

“Autistic people can find a stay in hospital very challenging for a variety of reasons including the fear of the unexpected.

“We wanted to make sure he bas good memories of his 18th birthday so we launched our pin badge appeal.

“We have had a great response so far from members of NAS Thurrock and the wider community.

“On Samuel’s birthday a member from NAS Thurrock visited him in hospital and said it was lovely to watch him look at each badge with delight.”

Pins can be posted to the society at NSA Thurrock, c/o 77 Humber Avenue, South Ockendon, Essex, RM15 5JW.