Manette Baillie, a 102-year-old British woman and WWII veteran, has completed a tandem jump in eastern England, making her the UK’s oldest skydiver. The skydive took place just days after her birthday, breaking the previous record set in 2017 by a 101-year-old.
Following her jump, Baillie told BBC Radio 4 that it was “a bit scary.” I must admit that I closed my eyes extremely tightly.” She urged those in their 80s and 90s not to give up on life, saying, “Just keep going.”
Baillie leapt to collect funds for three causes: the East Anglian Air Ambulance, the Motor Neurone Disease Association, and her local Benhall & Sternfield Ex Servicemens Club, which she says needs to be renovated. Her motivation for supporting the Motor Neurone Disease Association originates from a personal experience with the “deeply cruel disease.”
Baillie has lived in Benhall Green since 1961, and she served in Egypt with the Women’s Royal Naval Service during WWII. The centenarian has also taken part in daring events, including racing around the Silverstone racecourse at 130 mph for her 100th birthday.
Even Prince William recognised Baillie’s bravery, giving her a note of support before her jump.
