When Georgie Wildgust of Nottingham, U.K. was born, doctors told his parents that they didn't expect him to live past the age of 10 due to his Down syndrome. They couldn't have been more wrong.
NottinghamshireLive
Britain's Oldest Man With Down Syndrome Wasn't Supposed To Live Past 10, Turns 77
Defying all the odds, Georgie recently celebrated his 77th birthday, surrounded by family and friends at the care home where he lives.
NottinghamshireLive
He is believed to be one of the oldest people in the world with Down syndrome, let alone Britain. The average life expectancy for those with Down syndrome is 50 to 60 years of age. The oldest person known to have lived with Down syndrome was Minnesota's Bert Holbrook, who was 83 when he passed away in 2012.
Georgie, however, seems to still be going strong.
BBC
"He is so happy all of the time. He is amazing," his niece told NottinghamshireLive. "His mum was told he wouldn't live past 10 when he was born but look at him now! He was always told by his mum that he can do anything and because of that, he has always been very independent. He doesn't like being told what to do really but I do think that is why he has reached 77."
One of the nurses at the care home says that he had a health scare earlier in the year.
NottinghamshireLive
"He is such a miracle. He has been through some medical issues this year and he was put on end-of-life care but he bounced right back," said Javine Lacey.
"When he came back from hospital, he just said, 'y'all right darling?' like nothing had happened."
Still, Georgie keeps active and social and indulges in his favorite things.
BBC
He's an accomplished coloring book fan, and he still loves to dance.
"Honestly, every single day you come to work he will make you smile," said Kimberly Taylor, a staff member at the care home.
h/t: NottinghamshireLive, BBC
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