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World's Oldest Person With Down's Syndrome Has Just Celebrated His 77th Birthday

World's Oldest Person With Down's Syndrome Has Just Celebrated His 77th Birthday

He was told he wouldn't live past 12.

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

DISCLAIMER: YES WE KNOW THE CAKE SAYS 76 - THE IMAGES ARE FROM HIS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS LAST YEAR

Kenny Cridge, the world's oldest person with Down's syndrome, has just celebrated his 77th birthday.

Kenny was born 15 February and was given a life expectancy of just 12, but has been the world's oldest living man with Down's syndrome since 2008.

He celebrated at Wisteria House care home in Tintinhull, Yeovil, Somerset, where he has lived for the last five years.

Credit: SWNS

Ann Nicholson, manager of the care home, said: "To some this may not be a landmark age. However, for Kenny, this is another milestone...

"Since his birthday last year, he has maintained general good health with no significant changes.

"He is happy and always has a smile for everyone - Kenny can brighten anyone's day with his smile and his laughter.

"He's very affectionate and loves having kisses and cuddles; he often says 'cuddle me'.

"Kenny is one in a million and we are so lucky to have him in our lives at Wisteria House."

Credit: SWNS

When Kenny was born his mother Iris didn't know she was expecting twins and only realised when his sister Dorothy was born immediately after him.

Doctors initially thought Kenny was still-born, and he was laid to one side as they worked on his sister. However, he soon began to show signs of life and was resuscitated. Dorothy died some years ago.

Staff at Kenny's care home said he still lives life to the full and enjoys playing his harmonica, eating sweets and joking with other residents.

Kenny was previously living with his nephew, and before that his mother, up until her death in the 1990s.

Credit: SWNS

His niece said: "Now people with Down's syndrome are treated equally and respected, but my nan said that back in the day it wasn't like that.

"She fought a lot of battles for him and really devoted her life to Kenny.

"His father Samuel, who adored him as his little boy, had a bike with a side car, and Kenny used to drive around in it to go to the local pubs.

Credit: SWNS

"He's marvellous and people in the village where he grew up still ask about him."

Back when he was born the life expectancy for people born with Down's syndrome was just 12; today it's between 50 and 60, with some living into their 70s.

Featured Image Credit: SWNS

Topics: Down's Syndrome, Guinness World Record