UK's oldest man with Down's Syndrome dies: 'He touched everyone's heart'

Staff at a care home in Kettering have paid tribute to Robin Smith, the UK’s oldest man with Down’s Syndrome, who has died at the age of 78, with one care worker saying ''no one that met him could resist adoring him".

Mr Smith had lived at Northleigh care home since 1986 and died on 27 September, weeks before his 79th birthday. At the care home he took part in yoga and aerobics and could often be found watching the horse racing or singing and dancing to his favourite Cliff Richard and Elvis songs.

Born in 1941, Mr Smith was given a life expectancy of 12 years, due to having Down’s Syndrome.

Billy Fulcher, support worker at Northleigh residential home said: “Robin was the legend of Northleigh. I was so happy to work with such a caring and special individual.

“Robin was more than a resident to me, he became part of my family. He touched everyone’s heart in that way. I take great pleasure in knowing I was part of his life.

“He had such a beautiful soul and he had a laugh I will never forget. He lit up a room with his twinkly eyes and cheeky smile and no one that met him could resist adoring him!”

Elizabeth Munns, a resident at Northleigh residential home, added: “Robin was my friend and he was a very nice man. I’m going to miss him.”

Mr Smith’s brother, Ian Smith, revealed that the time his brother spent at Northleigh was "where he was happiest, with the amazing staff and residents".

“To all the staff I would like to say a massive thank you for their kindness and amazing care and Robin clearly adored them all.”

The care home threw a ‘night to remember’ party on 9 October, on what would have been Robin Smith's 79th birthday, to celebrate his life.