LONDON, England (Independent Television News), June 16, 2008:
A campaign is under way to create the world's biggest virtual birthday card for Nelson Mandela.
It was launched exactly 46,664 minutes before the former South African president's 90th birthday. The figure has a special significance, as it was Mr Mandela's prison number.
Actress Susan Sarandon's message to Mr Mandela was: "You've made the world a better place and I thank you, for my children. And me. Happy birthday."
And he was praised by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who said: "So today as we follow that dream we fight to create a new age of Mandela, a new age of global justice. Happy birthday Madiba."
Mr Mandela's virtual birthday card isn't limited to celebrities and big names- anyone with a mobile phone can greet the iconic leader by texting in.
Profits from text charges will go to various charitable organisations such as the Nelson Mandela Legacy Trust, Nelson Mandela Foundation, The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, The Mandela Rhodes Foundation and 46664 to continue Mandela's global charity work.
Mandela was a TIME Man of the Year in 1993. RICHARD LEWIS/AP A three-hour concert to mark Mr Mandela's birthday will be held in London's Hyde Park later this month, with artists such as Amy Winehouse, Leona Lewis, and Dame Shirley Bassey.
© Independent Television News Limited 2008
