Manette Baillie (102) from Suffolk claimed the title of Britain’s oldest skydiver and celebrated her birthday by jumping from a plane. A brave centenarian who had performed dangerous deeds declared the mission accomplished.
Baillie set out to raise funds for three charities that have special meaning to her: East Anglian Air Ambulance, Motor Neurone Disease Association and Benhall Village Hall. So far she has managed to raise £9,000, although her target is £30,000.
Baillie recalled her experience with this historic jump. “When the door opened, I thought there was nothing I could do or say… just jump,” the survivor explained. Maybe it’s still the shock, but she doesn’t remember much: “Oh, I saw my legs vaporize and everything seemed to happen very quickly… I closed my eyes.”
Her supporters also turned out in large numbers during the event, with Baillie having been a resident of the area since 1961. They gathered at Suffolk Airport and patted her on the back when she landed safely.
This new record jump means Baillie will remain in the record books, but she has also impacted the lives of the community and shown that at the age of 102, life is still a great adventure. Manette Baillie shows that there is no need to dream small because innovation and boldness can be achieved regardless of age as she is 102 years old.
