A four-year-old with a passion for pylons has paid a special visit to Penwortham substation.

After seeing mum Sophie’s viral TikTok video about Lucy’s autism journey and interest in electric towers, National Grid reached out to give Lucy the opportunity to have a tour of the site.

@theonlysophiepowers any other pylon lovers out there ??? #asd #autism #nerodivergent #specialinterest #pylons #electrictower ♬ original sound – Sophie Powers

National Grid’s Network Engineering Manager, Wayne Steel, hosted Lucy and her family on the visit, where she was able to safely get close to the transmission towers – even giving one a hug – and learn more about their important role transporting electricity. 

Lucy built her very own pylon as part of an educational session, and also took home a bag of National Grid swag, including a book of different transmission tower images that was made especially.

Mum Sophie said: “I am so grateful for the visit as it’s a huge thing to Lucy and will forever be remembered, her special interest in electric towers runs her life. All she wanted was to be able to cuddle one and stand under one and she was able to, which is fantastic. She loves them even more now if that was even possible.

“Everyone at National Grid has been amazing – and Wayne especially was fantastic with helping Lucy settle in as she gets overwhelmed with a lot of people and strangers, he was great.” 

Lucy’s fascination with transmission towers began when she saw them on the motorway when taking trips with her family, which quickly developed into a love of watching videos about the towers on YouTube.

Now, mum Sophie says Lucy talks about electric towers wherever they go, and they have become a huge part of her daily life. Lucy’s favourite pylon pictures providing her comfort when she’s sad, or even when just getting on with the day’s tasks.

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“Electric towers have become a big thing in our lives, so the trip was amazing. Even just for us as parents – something that used to mean nothing to me is now a huge part of our lives and I love it, it’s unique.

“I am so thankful for all the goodies National Grid gave us, there was so much! Lucy’s favourite thing was the book made for her with all the pictures. She takes it to bed and has it next to her while she sleeps. But she’s also very excited to build the Hornby Pylons – I’m just waiting for the special cement to come in the post!”

Wayne Steel, National Grid’s Network Engineering Manager, said: ‘It was an honour to host Lucy and her family at Penwortham, and heart-warming to learn all about Lucy’s love of pylons. It is also wonderful to see her special interest in transmission towers being encouraged by her family.

“Transmission towers are a vital part of our network and have carried the UK’s high voltage overhead power lines for nearly 100 years. It’s important to educate our youngsters about the crucial role they play and encourage the next generation of budding engineers.

“I can’t wait to see what Lucy does in the future with her love for pylons, and I wish her all the very best!”

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