World's oldest person with Down syndrome celebrates his 77th birthday

He was given a life expectancy of just 12 years - but now Kenny Cridge has defied medics and broke the Guinness book of records.

He blew out his 77th set of birthday candles at the nursing home where he lives in the UK. Born as a twin with his sister Dorothy in 1939, doctors didn't expect him to live very long. But in 2008 he was entered into the records as the world's oldest person with the condition. Kenny has outlived his twin sister, but according to the Huffington Post, friends and staff as the home where he has been for the last five years helped celebrated his birthday on February 15th. Manager of the care home, Ann Nicholson says it's a significant 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.”

Staff said Kenny loves playing his harmonica and always has a joke with his fellow residents. (Feature image via BBC)

World’s oldest person with Down syndrome celebrates his 77th birthday

He was given a life expectancy of just 12 years - but now Kenny Cridge has defied medics and broke the Guinness book of records.