Bullied boy inundated with birthday wishes from celebs after dad's Twitter appeal

A young boy who is being bullied at school has been inundated with birthday messages from celebrities after his dad launched an appeal on Twitter.

Chris Hope-Smith asked for birthday wishes to his son Ollie, who turns nine on July 5, in a bid to prove his son’s bully wrong.

His plea has gone viral and he has received a flurry of greetings for Ollie from big names including Stormzy, Jake Humphrey, Jason Manford and more.

Chris wrote: “Strange request. Anyone know anyone famous/well known who could send Ollie a positive/9th birthday message. The bully keeps saying to him that everything O has, he has bigger/better/more often. O excited for his birthday but keeps being told it won’t be as good as his own.

“I would be so grateful and I appreciate it is an odd request. Just would love someone to tell him he does mean something and bullying is not ok, ever.”

The message was retweeted more than 11,000 times and prompted an outpouring of kindness from strangers across the world, including celebrities.

Stormzy replied: “Happy birthday Ollie! You’re a lil legend. Don’t watch the bullies they always end up being the biggest wastemen later in life.”

MORE: Charlie Gard: Terminally ill baby to have life support turned off today after parents claim they were ‘refused to take him home to die’
MORE: Brainy children live longer – and now scientists might know why

The eight-year old was also wished happy birthday from CBBC Newsround presenters Ricky and Leah Boleto, comedian Jason Manford as well as a special video message from Jake Humphrey.

Other messages came in from comic Al Murray, Russell Crowe and Sara Cox, while Astronaut Tim Peake wrote: “Hope your 9th birthday is out of this world Ollie. Just remember – a bully is a person too scared to do the right thing. Aim high dude!”

Dawn French also joined in, writing: “Hello Ollie! I have decided that your official 9th birthday new name is ‘Ollie the Mighty’. You cool with that?” while the FA invited Ollie to watch an England football game in September.

After the amazing response, Ollie’s dad Chris tweeted: “Guys this has gone crazy and I appreciate all the wonderful messages.

“(I) did not expect the reaction it has received. I for one thank each and everyone of you. I will respond as and when I can, I promise.

“Please just be kind to each other #PASSONTHEPOSITIVE and please be nice.”

Ollie’s mum Natalie added: “You do not know what this means to me and will to Ollie when we show him. I have been battling with this matter for over a year and am only just now being listened to.

“It is heartbreaking listening to an 8 year old think that he is worthless and ‘shouldn’t be here’.

“I know that we are definately not the only ones in the world to be going through this but I just want to say, from the bottom of my heart ‘Thank You’ so much. You really don’t know what this means, Natalie xx.”

(Top picture: Getty)