The UK's oldest person with Down's Syndrome has celebrated his 78th birthday - despite doctor's warning his parents that he wouldn't survive beyond 10.
Georgie Wildgust celebrated the incredible milestone back in August, and was thrown a socially distanced birthday party in the gardens of Watcombe Circus care home in Nottingham, England.
Learning more about the incredible Georgie in the video below:Georgie moved into the specialist residential home in 1993 shortly after the death of his mom.
Thought to be one of the oldest people in the world with Down's syndrome, medics originally feared that Georgie would never live to see his teenage years.
However, the spritely Georgie lives a happy life and puts his longevity down to a love of dancing and an active social life surrounded by a strong network of family and friends.
His niece, 44-year-old Nikki Wright, loves to visit Georgie every week, and said: "It's brilliant he is now officially the oldest person in the country with Down's syndrome.
"It is quite an achievement and we're all very proud of him.
"We were able to go see him on his birthday and we had a lovely day with a buffet, cake and a singing group.
"Georgie stood at the front and was conducting them, I think he really enjoyed it and it was lovely to be able to celebrate with him and the other residents.
"It's amazing for him to get to this age, my grandma was told he would not live past ten-years-old because of his Downs Syndrome. But they were wrong. Look at him now."
Nikki added: "Its probably because he has such a lovely childhood with my grandma and granddad and when he came into the home as well he really was looked after.
"He still is and they spoil him rotten. He is really happy here and is surrounded by 12 other residents who are around the same age.
"He was always told by his mum that he can do anything and because of that, he has always been very independent.
"My grandma was a dress maker and granddad worked down the pit. They lived together in Nottingham and the kids always went out to play in the middle of the square.
"Nobody picked on him, they all took him under their wing and looked after him. It was one big happy community who looked out for each other. So he's always been very sociable.
"Back then doctors just wrote people off who had Downs Syndrome as they weren't classed as 'normal'. Some were sent off to asylums in padded cells I believe.
"It was awful really but Georgie has always had a strong network of family and friends around him and that's why he's done so well.
"He doesn't like being told what to do really but I do think that is why he has reached 78."
Watch Georgie celebrating at his home in Nottingham:Born on August 16, 1942 to parents Hilda and Abraham, Georgie was one of three siblings.
Sadly, his younger brother, Colin, died three years ago at the age of 71, but younger sister Jean Yessyan, 79, still keeps in touch with him through video calls as she resides in Australia.
Throughout his incredible life, Georgie worked as a gardener and rug maker.
Since retiring, Georgie spends his days enjoying his favorite past-times, with Nikki saying: "He likes going out for dinner, coloring books, and especially dancing.
"It keeps him young and he loves watching Strictly Come Dancing on a Saturday.
"He also enjoys going the sea-side and having fish and chips and ice cream.
"Obviously we haven't been able to do that during the pandemic but the care home staff have been brilliant keeping them all entertained.
"Every week we Skype each other and have a chat with my sister who lives in Australia.
"I think being kept busy and socializing here has really helped him. The staff are amazing and it is such a family here."
Per the NHS, the average life expectancy for somebody with Down's syndrome is 60-65 years - but this was much lower when George was born in the 1940s.
In addition, despite Down's syndrome being a condition present from birth that causes learning difficulties and possible physical developments - it will affect each person who has it differently.
Some can also experience
A Down's Syndrome Association spokesperson said:
Happy belated birthday, Georgie!"Thanks to medical advances and the care and love of those around them, the average life expectancy for people with Down’s syndrome is now between 50 and 60 years, with a small number of people living into their seventies and beyond.
"Everyone at the Down’s Syndrome Association wishes Georgie a very happy birthday and all the best for the future."
