A MAN who was told he would not live past the age of 30 is celebrating his 60th birthday.
Kenneth Ramsden, of Ravens- thorpe, who will be 60 tomorrow, suffers from Down's Syndrome.
He was born the youngest of seven children in Sheepridge in 1945, when little was known about the condition.
Kenneth's parents took him to doctors all over Yorkshire, but were told by every one that their son would not live past the age of 30.
His sister, Betty Greaves, said: "We have been told he is one of the oldest people with Down's Syndrome in this area. It is quite an achievement for him to reach 60.
" It's a special day for all of us.
"Today's generation of Down's sufferers are stimulated and looked after, so they are living longer."
Kenneth's other sister, Jean Smith, said: "When Ken was growing up, people like him were shut away." But Kenneth's family made sure this did not happen and he benefited from going to day centres from the age of five.
Mrs Greaves said: "He used to join in with all the activities, although he doesn't so much now. He's healthy and happy."
Having proved all the medical experts wrong, Kenneth celebrated his birthday early with a party on Saturday.
An Elvis impersonator entertained Kenneth - who is a big fan of The King - and his fellow residents at Castle Hall Home on Lee Road, Ravensthorpe.
Kenneth moved to Castle Hall three years ago, after he lost the use of his legs.
For 12 years before that he had been living with a Slaithwaite family who care for Down's Syndrome sufferers.
Kenneth moved in with the family after his mother died.
