SUPERMARKET worker Amanda Cullen got the red carpet treatment today, after completing a 50-hour stint locked inside a glass box to raise awareness of autism.
The 45-year-old mother-of-two, who lives in Eveswell, Newport, gave up home comforts and the chance to watch Newport RFC's and Newport Gwent Dragons' most recent home matches to endure a very public incarceration.
But her marathon also raised around £2,500 for Caudwell Children, a UK charity that supports disabled children, including those with autism.
An emotional Mrs Cullen emerged from the six square metres box at the Tesco store on the city's Spytty Road, where she works, onto a 'red carpet' hastily organised by colleagues, and to celebratory glass of bubbly.
She said the experience had been a disorientating one, in terms of being deprived of physical contact while being able to see people up close, and being unable to hear through the glass, despite the structure having no roof.
"I also didn't sleep very well, because this is a 24-hour store and there's always comings and goings, But at the same time, it felt very isolating," she said.
"But it has been amazing, the customers and staff have been fantastic. Some customers who came to see have children who are on the autistic spectrum.
"I've learned a lot, and I hope I've been able to raise awareness of autism as well."
Mrs Cullen, who has friends with children or grandchildren on the autistic spectrum, was allowed only a 10-minute toilet break every three hours, and was not allowed devices such as her mobile phone.
Caudwell Children media campaign manager Andy Bailey was thrilled with Mrs Cullen's efforts.
"Amanda has been fantastic, customers have been very supportive and interested in what she was doing, and she's raised about £2,500, which is great," he said.