Emergency Transfer and Unshakable Spirit: 100-Year-Older woman in Aston Villa Fan Becomes Symbol of Resilience Amid Medical Scare……
In a heartwarming and dramatic turn of events, a 100-year-old Aston Villa supporter, widely known in her community as the club’s most passionate great-grandmother fan, was rushed to a U.S. hospital following a sudden medical emergency. Despite the alarming circumstances, her unwavering faith in her beloved team has become a rallying cry of inspiration for supporters around the world.
The centenarian, identified by close family members as Mary Thompson, has been a lifelong Villa supporter. Known for proudly wearing claret and blue every matchday and chanting “Villa always win!” from her care home in Birmingham, Mary recently gained national attention when the BBC profiled her ahead of her 100th birthday. The report celebrated her century of loyalty, documenting a life filled with memories of Villa triumphs, heartbreaks, and unwavering support.
But just days after her birthday celebration, Mary began experiencing severe chest pains and shortness of breath. Her family, concerned about her health, arranged for an emergency medical flight to the United States, where one of her daughters resides and where she could receive more specialized cardiac care.
The transfer was coordinated swiftly through a transatlantic emergency response service, with the support of local Aston Villa fans who helped fund the logistics through an online fundraiser. Within 24 hours, Mary was safely transported to a private facility in New York, where doctors are now stabilizing her condition. Early reports indicate she is responding well to treatment, and doctors are optimistic about her recovery.
Even during her transfer, Mary reportedly insisted on being updated with the latest Aston Villa news. According to her granddaughter, Lisa, “She kept asking if Villa had won their friendly against Roma. That was her biggest concern, even on the stretcher. She just kept saying, ‘Villa always win. I’ll be fine.’”
Her fierce loyalty and fighting spirit have not gone unnoticed. Messages of support have poured in from across the football community. Aston Villa’s official X (formerly Twitter) account posted a tribute: “Wishing Mary Thompson, our beloved 100-year-old fan, a swift recovery. Your spirit inspires us all. #AVFCFamily.” Current players, including club captain John McGinn and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, sent video messages cheering her on and promising to “win one for Mary.”
Villa fans in both Birmingham and New York have also organized small vigils and prayer meetups, sharing stories about Mary’s legendary dedication. One supporter described her as “the kind of fan every club dreams of—loyal, loud, and full of heart.”
As Mary continues her recovery in the U.S., she remains determined to watch Aston Villa’s upcoming Premier League opener next week. Her family has already set up a stream in her hospital room.
“She’s stubborn, in the best way possible,” her nurse joked. “She told us, ‘I’m not going anywhere till I see Villa lift another trophy.’”
Whether in Birmingham or across the Atlantic, one thing is clear—Mary Thompson embodies the soul of Aston Villa Football Club. And as she always says: Villa always win.