A Leap of Faith
In a breathtaking display of courage and spirit, 102-year-old Manette Baillie marked her birthday by skydiving from a plane at 7,000 feet above Beccles Airfield in East Anglia. This daring feat has made her the oldest skydiver in Britain.
Baillie’s jump wasn’t just for thrill; it was a heartfelt effort to raise funds for three charities: the East Anglian Air Ambulance, the Motor Neurone Disease Association, and Benhall Village Hall. Her selfless act has garnered admiration from around the globe.
A life of adventure
Baillie’s adventurous spirit is nothing new. During the Second World War, she served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRENS) in Egypt and married a paratrooper. Her zest for life continued as she marked her 100th birthday by driving a Ferrari racing car at a staggering speed of 130 mph at Silverstone Racecourse.
Defying fear and embracing life
In an interview with Radio 4, Baillie shared her fearless attitude: “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.”
The secret to longevity
Baillie, who continues to drive regularly, attributes her long and fulfilling life to staying active and social. “I play an active part in the community and people often ask me what is the secret of old age. Of course, it is luck but I would say keep both physically and mentally active and socialize!” she remarked.
Birthday wishes poured in from all corners, including a personal letter from the Prince of Wales and tips from avid parachutists. Baillie believes the secret to her longevity lies in spending time with the community, making 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,” she advised.
The East Anglian Air Ambulance expressed their admiration for Baillie’s dedication and adventurous spirit. “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,” read their statement.
Manette Baillie’s remarkable skydiving feat has not only set a record but also inspired countless individuals, proving that age is just a number when it comes to living life to the fullest.