Barnehurst man collects signed birthday cards for fiancé from her 16 favourite celebrity chefs

Peter Eisinger, who lives in Merewood Road, got in touch with his partner Emma Appleton’s 16 favourite celebrity chefs and asked them to wish her happy birthday.

Planning two months in advance, Mr Eisinger ordered 16 personalised birthday cards online and sent them - along with a short letter and a pre-paid envelope - to chefs including Gordon Ramsey, Rick Stein and The Hairy Bikers.

The 33-year-old says he was stunned when 13 of cards he sent came back signed and addressed to qualified chef Emma.

He told News Shopper: "I never thought I would get a reply.

"When I did it I didn’t expect any to return but in the first weekend of trying it, Marco Pierre White had sent the signed card back.

"It’s amazing how it differed - some of the chef’s left the cards unsealed and when I read what they had written, Gregg Wallace just wrote Gregg.

Meanwhile Michael Caines wrote an essay, which I didn’t expect."

Miss Appleton’s favourite chefs The Hairy Bikers and Michel Roux are among the well-wishing chefs she will unknowingly receive a card from today (JULY 9).

Heston Blumenthal, Jamie Oliver and James Martin are the three chef’s Peter is yet to hear back from.

Mr Eisinger said: "It is to be expected. I mean Jamie Oliver could be in America for sixth months or something so it’s not a surprise.

"I’m just shocked that I have got so many back."

He added: "I think she’ll appreciate that I’ve gone to the effort and that it’s something so personal to her.

"I’m sure she will be shocked and very grateful for them sending them back."

The well-wishing chefs:

• The Hairy Bikers
• Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
• Gordon Ramsay
• Michel Roux Jr.
• Gregg Wallace
• Gary Rhodes
• Rick Stein
• Paul Hollywood
• Marco Pierre White
• Mary Berry
• Albert Roux
• Michael Caines

Still waiting for wishes from:

• James Martin
• Heston Blumenthal
• Jamie Oliver