A MAN is to put his life on hold for more than two days – in a transparent effort to raise awareness of autism.

Andrew Robertson is planning to lock himself in a glass box - in front of thousands of shoppers in a giant superstore that remains open for 24-hours-a-day.

And the 23-year-old plans to remain there, exposed to all who pass by, for a total of 50 hours.

Andrew’s self-imposed isolation will take place in the foyer of the Tesco store on Tadcaster Road, York. He will enter the 3m by 2m box at 2pm on November 17 and remain there until 4pm on November 19.

He hopes to raise awareness of autism, and the work that the national charity Caudwell Children does in supporting children with the condition.

“Autism is one of the country’s most prevalent disabilities with 133,500 children currently diagnosed with the condition in the UK,” said Andrew, who works at the store and s originally from Berwick-upon-Tweed.

“That’s a staggering number and yet many people, including myself, have little or no understanding of the disability.”

He added: “Although I don’t have a direct connection to autism I do appreciate it a little, as in the past I’ve seen students with the 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.”

He’s confident that he will complete the challenge even though he admits he will be well outside his comfort zone.

“I’ve never done anything like this before so it will be really interesting to see how I react being in the full gaze of the public, with nowhere to hide, and being stared at by thousands of shoppers,” he said.

“I am a little anxious about having to sleep in public, with no privacy as I’m dribbling down my face.”

Andrew also hopes to raise funds for Caudwell Children whilst in the box. To support him visit justgiving.com/andrewlockedin or make a donation by texting LIFA79 amount 70070.