102-year-old Manette Baillie, a military veteran from Britain chose a unique way to celebrate her birthday this year. Here’s everything you need to know about her!
Manette Baillie, a military veteran from Suffolk, made history at the age of 102 as she became Britain’s oldest skydiver. A former member of the Women’s Royal Naval Service, Baillie made the jump to celebrate her birthday and raise funds for charity. She raised over £10,000 for three local non-profit organizations that are “very dear” to her. Reflecting on her audacious achievement, Baillie noted, “I really don’t do fear; it’s no good.”
102-Year-Old Manette Baillie Becomes Britain’s Oldest Skydiver
Ms Baillie jumped with UK Parachuting Services Ltd as part of a charity event, raising funds for Benhall’s villge hall, the Motor Neurone Disease Association, and the East Anglian Air Ambulance, which had previously saved her son’s life on the Isle of Wight after a diving accident in 1969. To date, her efforts have raised over £10,000 of her £30,000 goal, inspiring others to contribute.
Soon after her jump from 7,000 feet above Beccles Airfield in East Anglia, Ms Baillie told BBC Radio that she was “breathless.” “It was a bit scary. I must admit I shut my eyes very firmly,” she added. Regarding the healthy ageing, she said, “I just want other people who are getting towards 80 and 90 not to give up anything. Just keep going. I’ve been so lucky to be fit and well that I’ve got to do something with it, that’s really the back of it,” she said. I can’t just waste it, other people are crippled with arthritis, and I’m not.”
The incredible Manette Baillie skydiving this morning at Beccles airfield for her 102nd birthday sponsored by Goldster!! #manettebaillie #102yearoldskydiver pic.twitter.com/q1FOZtqzyU
— Goldster (@GoldsterClub) August 25, 2024
This was not the first time the former veteran has done something adventurous. For her 100th birthday, she set another record by driving a Ferrari around Silverstone at 130 mph. Speaking to Radio 4, she confirmed her fearless attitude, saying, ” I really don’t do fear. It’s no good. It’s 130 miles per hour, to begin with, before they pull the rip cords for the parachute, and then it’s gently floating down.”
Ms Baillie was inspired to undertake the skydiving challenge after witnessing her friend’s 85-year-old father accomplish a similar feat. “If an 85-year-old man can do it, so can I,” she remarked. Her courage and work for community also caught the attention of Britain’s Royal Family. Prince William commended Ms Baillie for her daring spirit in a heartfelt note and wrote, “Catherine and I hear you’ll be marking your 102nd birthday with a parachute jump! Given your history of racing a Ferrari at 100, we’re not surprised!”
Well, the secret behind Ballie’s fullfilling life is “Community, friends and being among people. Keep busy, be interested in everything, be kind to those around you and let them be kind to you. And don’t forget to party.”