Big names growing on Antony's autograph list
Tim O'Connell
Antony Cotton says his aspergers has made approaching people
for a signed photo or card easier. So far he has several boxes of
replies from former US presidents, UK soap stars and six nations rugby
unions.
The 36-year-old has taken a life-long affinity for sport and politics to the next level by amassing hundreds of signed letters, photos and greeting cards from the people who have shaped his interest.
While he is accustomed to a New Zealand parliamentary envelope appearing in his letter box each week, he still looks forward to seeing which prominent person's signature would arrive in the mail.
Tim O'Connell
Nelson man Antony Cotton continues to grow his collection of
letters and autographs from well-known politicians and celebrities,
including a birthday card from Prime Minister Jacinda Adern and British
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Boris Johnson.
From West Indian cricketers to former American presidents, his distinguished collection has grown significantly since 2006, when a letter to US Senator Ted Kennedy yielded Cotton a signed photo.
From the United States alone, he holds personally addressed correspondence from Hillary Clinton, John McCain, Sarah Palin, former Presidents Barack Obama, George W Bush, his father George H.W Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter and former Governator Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Politicians from Great Britain and Australia have also written to Cotton along with members of the Royal Family and cast members from British TV shows Coronation Street and Eastenders.
While he occasionally emails his requests to potential celebrities, Cotton said the old-school method of communication was the best way to attract a reply.
"I'd much rather send something handwritten - it's way more personal."
That personal touch has paid off in recent months, with Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis, British Secretary of Foreign Affairs Boris Johnson and Tory MP Amber Rudd adding to the elite list of famous friends.
Closer to home, he received a personally-handwritten birthday card from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
He also received Christmas cards from the English, Welsh and Irish Rugby Unions.
As well as his direct method of obtaining mementos, Cotton took every opportunity to seek out celebrities who came to Nelson, whether by meeting them at the airport, attending political rallies or simply approaching them in the street.
Few were unwilling to oblige with a selfie or autograph, he said.
"When you have autism, some people don't understand you and it can be quite frustrating - you do get the odd person who is dismissive, but nowadays most people are pretty good."
He had become a regular pen pal with his English rugby contact at Twickenham, Chris Donnelly, who - like Cotton - was on the autism spectrum.
However, it was an unlikely Kiwi politician who Cotton rated as his favourite person to keep in touch with.
"I have a lot of time for Crusher Collins - even though she comes across as quite fiery, she's actually got a soft side too - I think she's one of the best pen pals I have."
"She would have been some entertainment as National party leader but she wouldn't beat Jacinda, I don't think."
- Stuff
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