Celebrities including Russell Crowe, Sue Perkins and Tim Peake rally round for young Ollie after father makes appeal on Twitter

An appeal for birthday messages for Chris Hope-Smith's son Ollie who is being bullied which has gone viral (@Hopenlesmyth/Twitter/PA Wire)

AN appeal for birthday messages for a young boy who is being bullied has gone viral – with Hollywood star Russell Crowe and comedian Jason Manford among those sending greetings.

Chris Hope-Smith, from Leeds, launched an appeal for messages for his son Ollie, who is nine on July 5.

He wrote: “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.

https://twitter.com/Hopenlesmyth/status/880316858137796608

“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.”

Since then, the message has been retweeted more than 8,000 times with celebrities sending messages in droves.

Happy Birthday Ollie xx ?❤️

— Sue Perkins (@sueperkins) June 30, 2017

Comedian Jason Manford and fan favourite Sue Perkins were among those who reached out to soon-to-be birthday boy Ollie.

happy birthday Ollie https://t.co/jjf4wZ0jba

— Jason Manford (@JasonManford) June 29, 2017

Ed Milliband also took to Twitter to wish Ollie a happy birthday – and made sure to praise dad Christopher as well.

Ollie—have a great birthday. You've got a great Dad. And remember people are really lucky to have you as a friend.

— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) June 29, 2017

Presenter Jake Humphrey recorded a video where he sad: “Happy birthday. Have a good one, ignore the haters, stay strong son.”

pic.twitter.com/htH64ATexs

— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) June 29, 2017

“Hey Ollie. Chin up mate, and remember, that bully is only picking on you because he knows you’re awesome and he isn’t,” wrote comic Al Murray, while Manford recorded a video in which he said: “Just wanted to say happy ninth birthday. Nine years old … I can’t remember what I was doing … probably chasing girls around with a bit of dog poo at the end of a stick. Have a great day son.”

The Gladiator himself, actor Russell Crowe sent his birthday wishes to Ollie.

Hey Ollie, heard it was your birthday. 9 years old eh? Congratulations, Happy Birthday !!

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) June 29, 2017

Astronaut Tim Peake said: “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!”, while Rufus Hound said: “Have an amazing birthday. One day, when you’re all old like your Mum and Dad you’ll realise you were winning all along.”