Family of man who wasn't expected to live past the age of two urge public to send him cards for his 30th birthday

THE family of a man who had not been expected to reach his second birthday are inviting the public to send him birthday cards to mark his 30th birthday.

Christopher Wyse from 36 Churchfield Avenue in Churchfield will turn 30 on July 2. His proud mum Rose had planned a big party in celebration but this has had to be postponed because of Covid-19 restrictions.

He was born with Rubinstein Taybi Syndrome, which is extremely rare. The syndrome is characterised by short stature, broad digits, and varying degrees of intellectual disability.

Rose said he has come through seven surgeries during his life, including on his heart and bowel.

She said that very few with the condition live beyond their second birthday.

She recalled: "He was tube fed until he was four and was in hospital until he was three years old. He has no speech and is wheelchair bound. He can communicate through sign language that he learned through COPE."

Before the outbreak of Covid-19 in Ireland, Christopher attended the John Birmingham Centre in Glasheen daily but has been cocooning at home with his mother since March 8.

She said: "He is a very very happy person. It is amazing that he has gone through this pandemic."

She recalled that Christopher's sister Mary Rose died five years ago at the age of 21 while their father Henry died suddenly just over five months later, aged just 53 years old.

Rose is now hoping people will help make Christopher's birthday a big and happy event by sending him birthday cards, because she said he loves cards and he loves his birthdays.

She and other members of his extended family are also hoping to organise a drive by past his house to mark the day.