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CRAWBROOK, England — When you’ve lived to see your 105th birthday, no dream is too grand, no wish too elaborate. Even if that wish involves handsome firefighters.
When asked what she wanted for her birthday, Ivena Smailes didn’t hesitate to respond. No need for bows, balloons or even cake — all this spunky lady requested was to see a herd of “burly” firefighters climb up a ladder and through her window, according to Today.
Smailes’s wish didn’t surprise the staff at the senior home where she lives. Staff member Debra Carter said Smailes sends them funny demands every year on her birthday.
Last year for her 104th, she convinced several workers to return to her old home, climb to the top of her favorite tree and carve her name, Today reported.
“She’s got such a good sense of humor,” Carter told Today. “We managed to pull it off for her.”
In order to grant this lofty new wish, Carter enlisted the help of the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, though it took a bit of convincing at first.
“They couldn’t believe that someone of 105 would ask for this,” she said.
Once Carter got the firefighters on board, the men couldn’t wait to meet the spunky woman who was eagerly awaiting their grand arrival along with 40 of her close friends and family.
“They were all really good about it,” Carter said. “All happy to help and to meet her.”
All Ivena Wanted for Her 105th Birthday was a Burly Firefighter https://t.co/pDTEgagCz4pic.twitter.com/BpyE36j3U4
— VisionTV (@VisionTV) August 22, 2016
Five firefighters showed up just in time for Smailes’ party, and one went the extra mile by climbing up a tall ladder and into her third-floor balcony window. The birthday girl was so thrilled with her present that she shed a few tears. “It was great!” Smailes told ABC News. “Out of this world.”
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service posted photos of the event on its Facebook page, along with the caption, "All because the lady loves a burly firefighter!"
While this year’s party was one for the history books, Smailes is already concocting an even bigger plan for next year’s soiree.
“She wants to meet Prince Harry,” Carter told Today. “That one might be a little more difficult.”
