A 102-year-old British woman has set a new record as the oldest person in the country to complete a skydive, marking her milestone birthday with a daring leap from a plane. Manette Baillie, a military veteran from Benhall Green in Suffolk, took to the skies over Beccles on Sunday to raise money for three charities close to her heart.
Baillie, who served with the Women’s Royal Naval Service (Wrens) in Egypt during World War II, has become an inspiration for many with her adventurous spirit.
Her skydive from over 2,100 metres (6,900 feet) comes as no surprise to those who know her, as she previously celebrated her 100th birthday by racing a Ferrari at Silverstone, reaching speeds of 130 miles per hour.
Speaking to Sky News after the jump, Baillie shared her initial thoughts as the plane door opened: “When the door opened, I thought, there is nothing more I can do or say. Just jump.” Despite the fear, she admitted, “I shut my eyes very firmly,” but her resolve remained strong as she added, “If an 85-year-old man can do it, so can I.”
Baillie was motivated by a desire to inspire other elderly individuals to stay active and never give up. “I just want other people who are getting towards 80 and 90 not to give up anything. Just keep going,” she told BBC Radio. Her message was clear: age should not be a barrier to living life to the fullest.
A large crowd of supporters, including members of her local community, gathered at the airfield to witness Baillie’s remarkable feat. Her jump not only broke the previous record set by 101-year-old Verdun Hayes in 2017 but also raised over £10,000 of her £30,000 target for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, the Motor Neurone Disease Association, and her local Benhall and Sternfield Ex-servicemen’s and Village Club.
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Baillie’s passion for supporting these charities is deeply personal. The East Anglian Air Ambulance holds a special place in her heart, as the service saved her son’s life after a diving accident in 1969.
In recognition of her efforts, she received a personal letter from Prince William, who commended her generosity and adventurous spirit.
After landing with a smile on her face, Baillie was presented with a bouquet of flowers by representatives from the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
The charity expressed their admiration for her, stating, “We love hearing about the inspirational stories from EAAA supporters, and we were completely overwhelmed when we heard about Manette’s kindness and her exciting plans to celebrate her 102nd birthday.”
Reflecting on her long and fulfilling life, Baillie credited her vitality to “community, friends, and being among people.” Her advice to others is simple: “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.”
Baillie’s skydive serves as a powerful reminder that age is just a number and that life’s adventures can continue well into one’s later years.
