Oldest living man with Down's Syndrome celebrates 77th birthday at care home

A 77-year-old man with Down's syndrome has recently celebrated his birthday at a care home in Yeovil, Somerset.

Kenny Cridge was officially named the world’s oldest living man with Down’s Syndrome in 2008 by the Guinness Book of World Records, and nine years later, has been celebrating another milestone with those closest to him.

Staff at Wisteria House, where he has lived for the past five years, put this down to the love, care and attention he continues to receive from his family and friends.

'One in a million'

Care home manager, Ann Nicholson, said: "Kenny is happy and always has a smile for everyone – he can brighten anyone's day with his smile and his laughter. He's very affectionate and loves having kisses and cuddles.

"Since his birthday last year, he has maintained general good health with no significant changes. He still enjoys playing his harmonica, eating sweet treats and joking with fellow residents.

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

On 15 February 1940, the day Mr Cridge was born, his mother Iris had no idea she was carrying twins and only realised when daughter Dorothy was born moments after him.

Defied all odds

Doctors initially thought he was stillborn and laid him to one side to care for his sister, but after he began to show signs of life they resuscitated him.

Those born with Down’s Syndrome in the 1940s were not expected to live past their twelfth birthday. Mr Cridge however, defied all odds and has outlived both his sister and brother.

He grew up with his mother in Hinton St George, Somerset, until she passed away in her 90s. He then moved in with nephew Kevin Griffiths before arriving at the care home five years ago.

"Kenny lived with his parents in Hinton St George and went everywhere with them," added Ms Nicholson.

"He became well known in the village and often used to go around ‘pinching’ logs to take back home. Everyone would know Kenny."

Battles

Referring to her uncle as 'marvellous', Marie Shotton added: "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.

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

Life expectancy

According to the Down’s Syndrome Association, the average life expectancy for people with Down’s syndrome is now between 50 and 60 years, with small numbers reaching their 70s and beyond.

Greater numbers of adults are leaving the family home and, with support, leading fulfilling and active lives in their communities.

In December 2016, Julia Pittaway also became the world’s oldest living woman with Down’s Syndrome, aged 81. She moved into a Lincolnshire care home three years ago and says the secret to her longevity is her daily routine and watching Coronation Street.

Wisteria House provides residential care for 13 people aged 60 and over and those living with dementia, Alzheimer's disease or Down's Syndrome.

click here for more details or to contact Wisteria House