Newry man celebrates 70th birthday milestone in style - with letter from Queen

Q Radio News

One of Northern Ireland's oldest men with Down’s Syndrome is celebrating his 70th birthday.

Ian Halliday's been getting right royal treatment from family and friends at his Newry home.

But he admits the icing on the cake of a memorable week has been receiving a letter and special photograph from the Queen.

WATCH this it’s heartwarming... One of Northern Ireland's oldest men with Down’s Syndrome is celebrating a special birthday - and the icing on the cake has been receiving a letter and photograph from the Queen. Full story on air at 8 and https://t.co/boX2EdCtC7 @RoyalFamily pic.twitter.com/pvTSAGKzBR

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) November 22, 2018

Ian lives independently in a health trust supported living scheme complex.

Social worker Margaret McShane says he's quite a character...

The popular local man has outlived his devoted parents Ernest and Annabelle, who always encouraged him to be independent.

The family owned a cycle shop in Newry.

Ian's cousin George Douglas is his legal guardian - Ian told Q Radio he's "very proud" of him and "so grateful" to George and his wife Muriel for looking after him so well over the years since his parents passed away. 

Finally, we asked what's the secret of Ian's happy and healthy 70 years?

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