To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

One Of World's Smallest Men Celebrates 28th Birthday With 6ft 5in Younger Brother

One Of World's Smallest Men Celebrates 28th Birthday With 6ft 5in Younger Brother

Nick Smith stands at 34 inches tall and recently celebrated his 28th birthday with his little (six-foot) brother

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

One of the smallest men in the world celebrated his 28th birthday recently with his nearest and dearest - including his younger brother (who towers over him).

Nick Smith - who lives with Microcephalic Osteodysplastic Primordial Dwarfism - stands at just 2ft 6in while his taller, yet little, brother Levi, 25, is 6ft 5in.

Nick Smith with his younger brother.
Michael Catron/Barcroft Media via Getty Images

Defying all medical expectations, Nick, from Georgia, US, celebrated his 28th birthday playing a game of indoor baseball at home with his family - which includes his older brother, Travis, who stands at 6ft 5in.

The type of dwarfism Nick suffers from is a rare condition which has a short life expectancy and causes illnesses often associated with old age.

Nick's mother, Shelly, said: "We didn't even know that we would have him for 28 years and we don't know if we'll have him for 29. Nick has done everything more than the doctors could even imagine, they didn't think Nick would ever walk or talk."

Nick blowing out his birthday candles.
Michael Catron/Barcroft Media via Getty Images

Travis spoke about the importance of the occasion: "Celebrating Nick's birthday is always a great thing, just celebrating his life and being here with us."

Despite the happy celebrations, Shelly spoke about the emotional toll Nick's health can take on her.

She said: "I worry about the next future every day. I worry about a small cold that might end up with something worse."

Shelly cherishes the time she has with Nick and sees the positive side of his young mentality, as it has helped keep their close bond. She said: "It's like having that boy that never grew up, it's a beautiful child to have."

Nick celebrated his birthday with a game of baseball.
Michael Catron/Barcroft Media via Getty Images

Speaking back in 2013, Shelly said: "Nick is the apple of my eye. He's such a happy person, loves Spongebob Squarepants and charms everyone he meets. He's always break dancing and making people laugh.

"Even though he's small, his muscles are strong at 21 and he loves impressing the ladies with one-handed press ups. Our big thing is that Nick is just like everybody else. In his mind, he's no different."

He appeared on Channel 5 documentary 21 and 3ft Tall: Extraordinary People which followed Nick and his family as he underwent surgery to try and repair an aneurysm in a bid to save his life.

The film shows Nick being treated at Stanford University, California, in November, using a high-tech technique called endovascular coiling.

Featured Image Credit: Michael Catron/Barcroft Media via Getty Images

Topics: News, US News