A GRANDSON’S appeal for 100 birthday cards to be sent for his grandad’s centenary touched hearts across the world.

Mark Appleby wrote on his Facebook page for people to write to Donald Appleby “to put a smile on his face”.

In the event, the 100-year-old, who lives in a home in Durham City, had plenty to smile about .

For more than 1,500 people responded to the request - from as far away as the Falkland Islands and Vietnam.

Donald Appleby, a former sailor who served on minesweepers in the Second World War enjoyed his big day on Sunday (December 28) with family at the Hallgarth Care Home where his huge collection of cards and letters were on display.

Mark, a former soldier who lives in Gateshead, said: “The day went well and Donald had a fantastic day, he never stopped smiling.

“We received in excess of 1,500 cards from as far away as Australia, the Falkland Islands, Vietnam, Canada the USA and many, many more places around the world.

“People sent gifts, money and cheques, which will all go to charity.

“The messages were unbelievable so touching and so kind.

“The stories were really interesting. The thoughts from old soldiers of around the same age were so touching.”

The centenarian’s son Russell, who is Mark’s father, said: “It just went ballistic, the cards came in from all over the world.

“People took the time to choose a card and some of the stories they wrote, it just brings a tear to your eye – mothers writing about the sons they have lost in different conflicts.

“My son got onto his former Army colleagues and it just went from there.

“My father has never had as many birthday cards in his life . He was fascinated.

“The events girl at the home put the cards all the way round the conservatory and along the corridor.”

Donald Appleby, who has two sons and two daughters, as well as several grand-children and great-grandchildren, worked at the coke ovens at Bearpark Colliery and the boiler room at Sherburn Hospital when he returned to Civvy Street. The lifelong Durham resident was married to his wife Eleanor for 73 years.

The big day was made complete when three pipers and a drummer from the Bishops' Pipers offered their services to perform at the party.