My youngest son Nigel is 42 and is believed to be the oldest survivor in the world with trisomy 13 Patau's syndrome.Hi, I am Rita and I am 69 years of age and married to Gerry. We live in Cornwall and have 2 daughters, Jackie and Josie and a son, Nigel.

Before retirement I worked part time as a Medical Receptionist at our local Outpatients Clinic and in General Practice. I was fortunate to be able to choose my hours of work to fit in with caring for Nigel. It was hard going sometimes but good therapy. Since retirement I have continued to keep busy and I’m Secretary to our village Gardening Club and Manager of the WRVS Tea Bar at our local Hospital. I love gardening, craftwork and Family History.

I have been a member of SOFT for many years, not active, just receiving the magazine, but now I am pleased to be supporting the group by keeping in contact with families and remembering the children’s birthdays.  I recently attended my first SOFT conference, and this gave me the opportunity to meet many of you and put faces to names. It was good to see you all, Rita.