At 102 years old, Manette Baillie from Suffolk has made history as Britain’s oldest skydiver, celebrating her birthday with an exhilarating leap from an aircraft.
Known for her indomitable spirit, Baillie embarked on this daring skydiving adventure not just for the thrill, but to support three causes close to her heart: the East Anglian Air Ambulance, the Motor Neurone Disease Association, and Benhall Village Hall.
Her initial fundraising target was £30,000, and she has so far raised £9,000, with donations still coming in.
Reflecting on her historic jump, Baillie shared her thoughts, recalling the moment with a mix of awe and surprise.
“When the door was opened, I told myself there was nothing more to do but jump,” she said. Though the experience was a whirlwind, she vividly remembers watching her legs disappear as she plummeted through the sky, feeling everything happen in a blur before she closed her eyes.
Baillie’s remarkable achievement was celebrated by a large crowd of supporters at the Suffolk airfield, where she has been a resident since 1961. Their cheers and applause greeted her as she safely landed, marking a memorable occasion not only for her but for the community that has rallied behind her.
This record-breaking skydive has not only secured Baillie’s place in the annals of history but also underscored a powerful message: life remains a grand adventure at any age.
Through her bold leap, Manette Baillie has shown that daring to dream big and pursue passions can defy age, proving that innovation and courage know no bounds.
