Tributes paid to Kettering's Robin who was country's oldest person with Down Syndrome

A Kettering man believed to be the oldest person in the country with Down Syndrome has died just weeks before his 79th birthday.

Robin Smith, who was born in 1941, defied the odds after he was originally given a life expectancy of just 12 years because of his condition.

He was still full of life and active, helping tidy up and taking part part in yoga and aerobics, before he died on September 27.

Robin, who loved bingo, dancing to Cliff Richard and Elvis and betting on horses, had lived at the Northleigh residential home in Rockingham Road since 1986 and was a popular resident.

Support worker Billy Fulcher 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.”

Robin grew up in St Margaret's Avenue in Rushden with his parents Ivy and Sid. He had two older siblings, Elizabeth and Iain.

Iain said: “Robin spent 34 years at Northleigh and this 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.”

At his birthday party last year Robin was described as an "amazing" man.

Those who cared for him said he loved a cuddle, karaoke, doing the hoovering, watching his favourite soaps and eating cheesecake and Weetabix.

It's believed Robin became the country's oldest living person with Down Syndrome in April last year when Kenny Cridge, who previously held the record, died at the age of 79 in Somerset.

On Friday (October 9), on what would have been Robin's birthday, Northleigh will throw a 'night to remember' party to celebrate his life.

Staff will serve up his favourite cake and snacks, sharing their favourite memories of Robin.

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

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