CELEBRITIES from around the world have sent video messages to help a 100-year-old man celebrate his birthday despite social distancing measures.

Cyril Turner, who lives in Sycamore Court Nursing Home in Fitzherbert Drive, Brighton, received more than 100 messages after his granddaughters Suzie and Sadie Turner made an appeal on social media.

Sharon Stone, Boy George, Vinny Jones and radio DJ Chris Moyles are among the celebrities who sent birthday messages to Cyril over Instagram, so his granddaughter Suzie could play them to him in the nursing home on his birthday yesterday.

Suzie and Sadie had planned to hold a big party for their grandfather but had to come up with new ideas after the coronavirus crisis worsened last week.

Sadie, who lives in Los Angeles, said she was “gutted” she would not be able to come back to Brighton for her grandfather’s birthday due to travel restrictions and social distancing measures.

The 46-year-old, who works in music management, said: “I never thought in my lifetime that I would not be able to come back to my home country.

“Suzie and I both grew up in Brighton. Our dad Phil lives in Portugal and he’s over 70 so he can’t travel either, so it was down to us to make it happen.”

Suzie, who lives in London and runs her own couture business, travelled to Brighton yesterday after self-isolating for two weeks so she could see her beloved grandfather turn 100.

She said: “I’ve been self-isolating and completely working from home, with no-one coming to my studio. I’m really conscious of protecting the residents.

“Everyone is worried about people in nursing homes and the coronavirus, so if we can bring something positive into their lives that’s great. We know we’re not going to be able to avoid the virus so it’s really about enjoying these moments.”

Cyril was treated to balloons, cakes and a performance by the Saltdean Jazz Band, who played to residents in the nursing home at a safe distance.

Sadie said her grandfather had started out in 1920 with “zero chances in life” as he was abandoned as a baby outside the Salvation Army’s base in Uckfield.

She said: “He was taken in by the Turner family who lived in Buxted. He later fought in the Second World War and survived the battle at Dunkirk.

“As long as we can remember, he’s been helping others.”

Cyril started teaching himself the trombone at the age of 11 and grew up to be a versatile musician.

During the war he carried a trumpet with him, but had to leave his precious instrument on the beach at Dunkirk.

After the war he became a member of the Salvation Army band in Uckfield before moving to Brighton in 1960 where he joined the Brighton Congress Hall Band and played the cornet.

He ran a convenience store in Stanmer Villas with his wife Kathleen, and the pair had three children – twins Philip and Geoff, and Bob, who passed away last year.

Suzie said: “When I go and visit him now I can always hear him singing.

“He has dementia so he might do a repetitive tune, but when I come in his face just lights up. I could sit with him all day, and he’s just so full of gratitude.”

Suzie said the celebration for Cyril’s birthday was “beautiful” and praised the carers at Sycamore Court.

She said: “I’m so grateful I’ve been able to celebrate with my Grandad. It’s been a day of mixed emotions because my sister and my dad were supposed to come over and they haven’ t been able to because of the quarantine restrictions.

“But we’ve had more than 100 videos from people all over the world wishing him Happy Birthday. The response has been phenomenal - not only did he get a telegram from the Queen, but also a lovely video from Sharon Stone.

“The incredible team at Sycamore Court who have become Cyril’s close friends over the years have been able to shower him with love on his special day, so really we couldn’t ask for more.”