Tommy Banks, a Michelin-starred chef, had loaded 2,500 pies into his van to sell at the York Christmas Market when disaster struck— his van was stolen, and all of his pastries destroyed. 100 miles away, 11-year-old Joshie Harris, who is autistic and non-verbal, read about the story online. Harris uses an iPad to communicate with his family and typed a message to his father that read, “I see sad man, pies finished.” The young aspiring chef immediately got to work baking pies, hoping to help Banks replace the holiday desserts he had lost. Although Harris isn’t able to speak, he uses baking and cooking as a way to express creativity and love for those around him. This weekend, Harris and his father drove two hours to deliver dozens of pies to Chef Banks. Whatever doesn’t end up being sold at the Christmas market will be donated to local food banks. Chef Banks is honored that Harris used his time and talents to help in his time of need, and is confident that Harris has a bright culinary career ahead.
Image via BBC
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