Portsmouth street unites to sing Happy Birthday to 12-year-old Bertie

As Bertie Southern came onto his front drive the whole street broke into spontaneous song which was followed by the sound of party poppers and a round of applause.

Bertie said: ‘It was quite overwhelming to be honest. It’s tough what everyone is going through at the moment and hopefully tonight has helped to raise people’s spirits.’

The inspiration to organise the street serenade came from the weekly communal show of applause for key workers.

Bertie’s mother, Sarah Styles, 43, said: ‘As a street we have all been coming out every Thursday to recognise the NHS and key workers. I have found it very emotional.

‘I thought it would be nice to do something to mark Bertie’s birthday as he can’t celebrate it as normal. I know awful things are happening at the moment but I still wanted to mark my son’s birthday.

‘I mentioned to a neighbour the idea of coming together to sing happy birthday and it spiralled from there.’

On the morning of Bertie’s birthday, fellow Second Avenue residents attached balloons to the garden wall and draped a large banner across the drive saying Happy Birthday Bertie. Next door neighbour, Andy Rudd, 67, even led the evening singing by playing the birthday tune on his saxophone.

Andy said: ‘My wife Karen had suggested to Sarah that I play my saxophone. I’ve been learning how to play. I really enjoyed it and got a great response. I think the current situation is bringing out the best in people.’

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For one resident, Chris Anderson, 72, the street celebration was the first chance she had to experience any social contact in almost a month.

Chris said: ‘Because I’m classed as vulnerable I have been in isolation for four weeks. My neighbours have been great but it’s terrible to be isolated from human contact.

‘I poured myself a vodka and came into my front garden to join in the celebration. It was wonderful and has given me a real boost.’

Bertie added: ‘It’s brilliant that my birthday has brought people together.’

It is a sentiment shared by Sarah.

‘I like seeing kindness and I actually got quite tearful seeing everyone singing on the street. It was a wonderful way to bring the community together.

‘I’m sure Bertie will remember this for the rest of his life.’

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