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105-year-old woman gets birthday wish -- 'burly' firefighters

By Ben Hooper
Ivena Smailes celebrates her birthday surrounded by firefighters. Photo by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service/Facebook
Ivena Smailes celebrates her birthday surrounded by firefighters. Photo by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service/Facebook

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CRAWCROOK, England, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- A British woman who turned 105 said she was pleased with the outcome of her birthday wish -- a visit from a squadron of "burly" firefighters.

The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service posted photos to Facebook showing the firefighters surrounding Ivena Smailes as she celebrated her special day at Addison Court Care Home in Crawcrook, England.

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One of the firefighters even climbed in through a window to celebrate Smailes' birthday.

"And all because the lady loves a burly firefighter!" the Facebook post said.

Smailes gave the birthday gift her enthusiastic approval.

"It was great! Out of this world," Smailes told ABC News.

Debra Carter, an employee at the care home, said Smailes has "got an absolutely great sense of humor."

"[Ivy] sends us little challenges for her birthday every year and this year she asked for firemen," Carter said. "We had the local fire brigade come ... through the third floor balcony window. They were more than happy to help!"

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