Friends and family threw a surprise party to celebrate a man with Down's Syndrome returning home from hospital after a life-changing operation. 

The Crystals, cheerleaders for the Crystal Palace football club, were special guests at the homecoming bash for Eagles-mad Danny Benham on Saturday.

Danny, 28, of Homestead Way, New Addington, spent Christmas in Royal Brompton Hospital recovering from heart bypass surgery that could double his life expectancy. 

From Dec 17: Family appeal for Christmas cards to brighten Danny Benham's hospital stay

From Jan 7: Eastenders cast, Crystal Palace players, Dermot O'Leary and Ian Wright among celebrities supporting heart-bypass Danny after Christmas in hospital

He received 183 cards, as well as presents , after his cousin Jemma Greenslade, 30, appealed for people to lift his spirits ahead while he spent his favourite time of year away from his family in hospital. 

Wandsworth Times:

Jemma Greenslade delivered cards to her cousin Danny

Mum-of-two Miss Greenslade delivered the sackful of messages at the party at Royal British Legion in West Wickham. 

She said: "He knew he was going to have a lot of family and friends coming around to see him, but he had no idea about all the cake, the presents or the Crystals girls.

"It was brilliant. It was a big surprise for him. He loved it. The Crystals were great with him."

Celebrities including Ian Wright, Danny Dyer and Dermot O'Leary all sent Danny messages of support on Twitter after being contacted by Miss Greenslade.