A dad's appeal for birthday wishes for his son who is being bullied has sparked a heartwarming reaction with Russell Crowe among those sending the little boy birthday messages.

Dedicated dad Christopher wrote on Twitter: "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," he added.

His initial post has been re-tweeted more than 8,000 times and hundreds of people have wished Ollie a happy birthday.

Celebs and well-known personalities from TV, music and sport wished Ollie a happy birthday.

Snger Stormzy and the England football team were among those who got in touch with the family. The England team even offered to organise for the youngster to go and watch them play.

Happy birthday, Ollie! 🎂



Fancy coming to see us in September? Let us know and we'll make it happen. 👍 — England (@England) June 29, 2017

Hey Ollie, heard it was your birthday. 9 years old eh? Congratulations, Happy Birthday !! — Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) June 29, 2017

Hey Chris - don't know if Ollie watches CBBC but I've recorded a little message for his birthday. Hope it helps! 🎂🎂🎂 pic.twitter.com/P5mKlHNIGw — Ben Shires (@BenShires) June 29, 2017

Happy 9th birthday Ollie from everyone @ManCity! 👍💪#mcfc — Manchester City (@ManCity) June 29, 2017

Happy Birthday Ollie 🎉â¤ï¸ pic.twitter.com/0TRdpel3zP — Alfie Deyes (@AlfieDeyes) June 29, 2017

Meanwhile, a Simpsons illustrator also drew a special picture of Bart wishing Ollie a happy birthday.

Astronaut Chris Hadfield, a host of BBC presenters, Manchester City football club and Arsenal were also among those who sent Ollie messages.

YouTubers Alfie Deas and Zoella also sent a video message to the young boy.

Monica Lewinsky, an anti-bullying activist, also sent a message of support to the youngster.

A local Olympian in Leeds, Tom Bosworth, offered to meet up with the family and give Ollie some Team GB gear for his birthday.

happy birthday, ollie! 🎂we're rooting for you to have a gr8 day... + rooting for you always. hang in there! pic.twitter.com/EhG2HqGb2K — Monica Lewinsky (@MonicaLewinsky) June 29, 2017

Happy Birthday Ollie from a guy on @TheSimpsons who's not quite famous but draws a kid who is =) I hope you have an AWESOME day! pic.twitter.com/f7itI4XdfW — Eric Keyes (@monkeyes) June 29, 2017

In response to the reaction Ollie's mum, Natalie, also took to Twitter to thank everyone for rowing in behind her son.

"Hi, I'm Ollie's mum (married to Chris). I don't 'tweet' and always go on at him for spending too much time on Twitter!! However, this time I am completely overwhelmed by everyones kind thoughts. You do not know what this means to me and will to Ollie when we show him," she said.

"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 definitely 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".

Online Editors