Ena Wornham recently marked her 100th birthday at Kings Manor Care Home with a big celebration and award presentation.
The Lord Lieutenant of Devon David Fursdon presented the Nuclear Test Medal to Ena, on behalf of her late husband, during the birthday celebration.
Ena was unfortunately widowed in her fifties; her husband having died as a result of an illness resulting from his presence at the Christmas Island nuclear tests in the 1950s. Operation Grapple saw a series of British nuclear weapons tests carried out close to Christmas Island, in the Pacific Ocean, between 1957 and 1958.
Ena received, on behalf of her late husband, the Nuclear Test Medal which is being awarded to veterans who participated in the UK's Nuclear Test Programme between 1952 and 1967, recognising them for their service and contribution to national security.
Ena celebrated her milestone birthday with a party on Wednesday August 7th with family, and fellow residents and staff at Kings Manor Care Home, where she has resided for the past two years.
Ena said:
“I’m absolutely speechless about the things everyone has done for me to celebrate my 100th birthday – I simply can’t believe I’m 100 years old! Special thanks for The Lord Lieutenant for coming along to my party – I feel very honoured and thankful to receive this medal on behalf of my husband, thank you everyone!”
Ena was born in Old Portsmouth one hundred years ago, the youngest of six children. After her relocation to Cheltenham during the Second World War she worked for the Commonwealth Graves Commission in Paris.
Following her marriage to Stanley, a naval officer, she lived in a variety of locations in the UK as well living in Malta, Italy and Belgium - all of which she enjoyed.
Following the death of her husband, Ena subsequently spent many happy years in Chichester, near her family, living independently and continuing to drive until the age of ninety-two.
Two years ago Ena suffered a serious fall and after initially having her life support withdrawn in hospital, she has made a full recovery, with thanks to the care and support of Kings Manor staff.
Marita Westaway, Kings Manor Manager, said:
“Ena is a wonderful lady who enjoys her time with us and continues to spend time with her family. We had such fun celebrating her birthday with family – including her grandson, a doctor in Australia, who has came over especially for the occasion.
“We are delighted that the Lord Lieutenant joined us and Ena is proud to have received this medal on behalf of her late husband, whose life was sadly cut short due to his service during the UK’s nuclear testing.
“This was a poignant occasion, as well as a big celebration for Ena, for her life and this remarkable milestone. We are all looking forward to celebrating many more birthdays with Ena here at Kings Manor.”
Set in the historic Devonshire town of Ottery St Mary, and surrounded by beautiful open countryside, King’s Manor is a luxury care 66-bedded home designed to the highest specification, providing nursing, residential and dementia care.