A Putney grandmother has issued a heartfelt appeal to encourage people to send birthday cards to her grandson.

Julie Burgess got in touch with the Wandsworth Times to help spread the news that soon-to-be eight-year-old Leo's birthday is on November 1.

"My grandson Leo has severe autism," she said.

"Leo doesn’t get invited to birthdays and doesn’t understand them but he loves to open cards and presents and blow out candles.

"It’s so cute as he has to open everybody’s."

The timing of Halloween just the day before wasn't lost on her either.

"I am asking all of my friends, family, friends of friends and any groups put there, if you could take the time to send a birthday card to Leo it would make his day.

"I am dressing up as the wicked witch and delivering the cards to Leo on his birthday.

"He loves Halloween and dressing up so we are holding a Halloween tea for his birthday just family and one of his friends.

"He has never had a birthday party in eight years as he can’t cope with lots of people and sensory reasons.

"I just wanted to do something different and special for this little boy."

Julie added that Leo loves animals and that if you wish to send a card, to address it to Leo Marshall at 34 Askill Drive, Putney, London, sw15 2hx