A daredevil 102-year-old woman is set to become Britain’s oldest skydiver today
Manette Baillie, from Suffolk, is jumping out of a plane at 7,000 ft above Beccles Airfield in East Anglia to mark her birthday and raise money for charities.
When celebrating a milestone birthday many people usually enjoy it with a party and slices of birthday cake but few decide to mark the occasion by trying skydiving for the first time and even fewer do so on their 102nd birthday.
Yet, this is what Ms Baillie has chose to do today, August 25. She is also taking the plunge to also raise money for three causes – East Anglian Air Ambulance, Motor Neurone Disease Association and Benhall Village Hall.
Ms Baillie has lived an adventurous life having served in the Woman’s Royal Naval Service (WRENS) in Egypt during the Second World War and she was married to a paratrooper.
Manette Baillie (pictured), from Suffolk, is jumping out of a plane at 7,000 ft above Beccles Airfield in East Anglia to mark her birthday and raise money for charities
Having become something of a thrillseeker in her golden years, Ma Bailee – who still regularly drives – marked her 100th birthday by driving a Ferrari racing car at 130 mph at Silverstone race course
Speaking on Radio 4 this morning, she said: ‘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.’
She has received well wishes, including the Prince of Wales who sent her a personal letter, and tips from avid parachutists as well as experts studying how best to life a fulfilling life.
Having become something of a thrillseeker in her golden years, Ma Bailee – who still regularly drives – marked her 100th birthday by driving a Ferrari racing car at 130 mph at Silverstone race course.
Her secret to living a long and fulfilling life is ‘community, friends and being among people.’
She added: ‘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.’
In a statement, the East Anglian Air Ambulance said: ‘We love hearing about the inspirational stories from EAAA supporters, so we were completely overwhelmed when we heard about Manette’s kindness and her exciting plans to celebrate her 102nd birthday.’
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