Jack enjoys all the fun of the stage with star David

Jack Campbell enjoyed a spin in a dodgem car, courtesy of stage stars Tim Newman (left) and David Essex.

YOUNG Jack Campbell had his life turned around by David Essex and fellow actor Tim Newman.

And the proud youngster got the chance to present Tim with an award from the National Autism Society to say a big thank-you.

Jack first came across the acting pair when he saw the musical “All the Fun of the Fair” in Manchester three years ago.

Jack (11), has autism, and each time his mother had taken him to see a pantomime the pair had to leave early because he couldn’t cope with the noise and stress. But she decided to give the musical a go, and the youngster sat on her knee the whole way through, singing his heart out to the songs his David Essex-fanatic mother played at home.

“He loved it. He had a bag of sweets in his hand and he never even touched them,” said Liz.

Jack was so excited his mother took him to the stage door after the show — and David Essex gave him his autograph.

“David gave him a big smile and off we went,” said Liz.

Jack’s autism prevents him interacting with other people, so his mother was dumbstruck when the youngster tapped a woman on the shoulder on their bus home and told her all about it.

Liz’s devotion to David Essex saw her return to see the show four times in a week in London, and she took Jack with her.

“Jack sent a card to David, saying it was from his ‘best friend, Jack’ and I popped in a note explaining the situation,” said Liz. “David spotted him in the audience and said ‘is that my mate Jack?’ and said he had a surprise for him after the show.”

The actor drove Jack round the stage on a dodgem car used in the set, and his mother said: “Both David and Tim made a big fuss of him.

“Later he said: ‘Mum, I’m a real person and I have got real friends. I’m not miserable any more, I have come out of the shadows.”

Back at home in Balfour Street, Clarksfield, Jack got a letter from David asking how he was going on. And Jack stunned his teachers at Hey with Zion School, Lees, when he stood up in front of his class and told them the story — then did the same in an assembly for the whole school and parents.

“The head teacher asked him to do it, and I thought ‘this won’t work,’ but it did, he spoke up and told everyone everything,” said Liz

She added: “Jack has started taking part in lessons, he’s a completely changed boy. He plays with other children when he used to stand and watch everyone else play.”

Tim plays an autistic person in the show and asked Liz for advice on developing the character.

Liz and Jack put Tim forward for a Happiness Hero Award from the National Autism Society for the difference he has made to the youngster’s life.

“I wanted to nominate both David and Tim, but I could only do one,” said Liz, who also has a grown-up son and daughter.

This week the pair saw the show again at the Opera House in Manchester, and presented the award.

David Essex said: “It’s wonderful to see the difference in Jack since the first time I met him.”

Tim added: “I’m thrilled to have been given the Hero Award. Jack’s an amazing lad and it’s been a privilege to have been some sort of inspiration to him.

“I love playing Jonny in the show: knowing the character has particular resonance for Jack has inspired me.”