August 25th 2024.
At 102 years old, Manette Baillie achieved a remarkable feat - becoming Britain's oldest parachutist. As a World War II veteran, she has certainly lived a full and adventurous life. But age is just a number for this daredevil pensioner, who leapt out of a plane at 7,000 feet above Beccles Airfield in Suffolk.
Despite the potential dangers, Manette remained calm and collected before her jump. She even joked that the blast of cold air when the plane's door opened made her question if she had gone too far. But once she was freefalling, the adrenaline rush was undeniable. She had to be careful when landing to avoid landing on her feet, but she enjoyed every moment of it and would gladly do it again.
This was not Manette's first adrenaline-filled adventure. For her 100th birthday, she raced around Silverstone's track in a Ferrari, reaching an impressive speed of 130 miles per hour. However, she admits that she didn't do anything quite as thrilling for her 101st birthday, prompting people to tease her about celebrating her 102nd in a unique way.
But for Manette, the idea of skydiving at her age was not a random decision. Her father had done a skydive at 83 and loved it, inspiring her to think, "If he can do it at 83, why can't I do it at 102?" And she did just that, with the help of her tandem partner Callum Kennedy from UK Parachuting.
Despite the challenges of aging, Manette is determined to keep living life to the fullest. She hopes her skydive will inspire others in their 80s and 90s to not give up on their dreams. She encourages everyone to "just keep going" and make the most of their health and abilities.
Manette is well aware of how fortunate she is to still be in good health at 102. She sees it as a gift that she cannot waste. She has friends and a strong sense of community, which she believes has contributed to her longevity. She also acknowledges that not everyone is as lucky, with many people suffering from health issues like arthritis. That's why she sees it as her responsibility to make the most of her health and support those in need.
For her skydive, Manette is raising money for three charities that hold special meaning for her. The East Anglian Air Ambulance saved her son's life after a diving accident, and she wants to give back to them. She is also supporting the Motor Neurone Disease Association, as someone close to her was affected by this cruel disease. And finally, she is raising money for the Benhall Village Hall, a place that holds a special place in her heart as the heart of her community.
Manette's skydive has already raised an impressive amount of money, and she couldn't be happier. She believes that her community, friends, and being among people have been key to her long and fulfilling life. And as she celebrates her 102nd birthday, she continues to inspire others to live life to the fullest, no matter their age.
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