A WREXHAM man with autism spoke of his delight at landing a new job after an emotionally challenging year for his family.

In 2020, Andrew Edwards told the Leader about his experiences of living in lockdown with autism.

He used exercise to help bring structure to his life when the world changed dramatically as lockdown rules were imposed across the UK.

The week before Christmas that year, he lost his beloved mother Hazel Davies to covid-19 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

She was 77.

Mr Edwards, aged 36 and of Gwersyllt, said: "Our mother was the most heroic, inspirational, hard working, caring, loving mother we could have ever asked for. "She had a very tough life rearing her family, especially the support she provided for her autistic son, but she never gave in until the very end when it was impossible to fight anymore.

"It was all very sudden, and we didn't get to hold her hand or be with her when she passed away, which was greatly affecting for us all.

"She was a strong character and she's left a big void in our lives. "I can only think of three days in my life when I didn't see her, so she was a big influence."

Speaking of how he and his sister Melanie Beckley managed with the tragic loss of their mother, he added: "Melanie has been heroic and we have supported each other.

"We have always been a close family, but she's taken on the jobs of two homes and my difficulties and autism.

"She's been magnificent.

"We are hoping to mark our mother's sudden passing by having permanent memorials in memory of her at both Wepre Country Park, where she loved the highly commended garden, and at Chirk Cricket Club.

"When the family was happy, our mother was delighted.

"The family, including myself, Melanie, her grandchildren Louis and Chloë, son in-law Billy and niece Julie were her everything.

"It was fortunate she got to meet her great-granddaughter Olivia, born on August 22nd 2020, twice before her sudden passing.

"In fact poignantly, Louis, his partner Emma and Olivia were staying over when Ma fell ill.”

Mr Edwards said he did not let the tragic loss of his mother "derail" his life.

He has since been appointed to the committee of Chirk Cricket Club, where he plays for the second team, as the Officer for Diversity.

Speaking of his most recent happy news, he said: "From June 8, I start a paid part time role at the Wrexham-based Autism charity Your Space as a fundraising assistant.

"[This] is quite a rare achievement as most of those diagnosed with autism are not in paid employment.

"A recent statistic suggests that only 15 per cent of those diagnosed with autism in the UK are in paid employment."