Celebrating her 100 birthday, care home resident Joyce Ensell received a special video message from Hollywood legend Jason Statham thanking the ex-leading aircraftwoman for her “bravery” during World War Two and that she is the “true definition of what a hero is.”
Ms Ensell who served in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) from 1941 to 1944 and reached the rank of leading aircraftwoman celebrated her milestone birthday at Royal Star & Garter – Solihull where staff organised the surprise video message from the star.
In the birthday message, Jason Statham says: “I’m flattered you’re a fan of mine, but more than that, I’m a big fan of yours. And I’d like to say that being in the Royal Air Force in the Second World War is the real and true definition of what a hero is. Thanks for your bravery. I send you lots of love on your big, special day.”
Jason Statham is famous for playing the tough hero in action thriller films. His roles include the Transporter trilogy, the Fast and the Furious and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Ms Ensell is said to regularly watches these films from her room.
Ms Ensell was born into a mining family in Westerhope, Newcastle upon Tyne, in 1921. When she was serving in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) she met her husband Leslie, an RAF electrician, during the war. The couple married in 1943 and later settled in Birmingham, where Joyce worked as a school dinner lady in the 1950s and ‘60s.
Alongside the birthday message, staff also arranged for a life-sized cardboard cut-out of the actor to take pride of place during the party, alongside a cake, flowers and a card from Her Majesty The Queen.
Ms Ensell who celebrated her birthday with other residents and enjoyed a slice of cake and a glass of bubbly said: “I had a lovely birthday party [and] I don’t feel 100.
“I can’t believe it. Thank you to everyone at Royal Star & Garter for giving me a very happy day.”
