Meet Manette Baillie, 102YO Becomes Britain's Oldest Skydiver

Manette Baillie, a military veteran from Suffolk, rang in her 102nd birthday on August 25 by creating history as Britain's oldest skydiver. “You must always look for something new," she expressed before jumping out of a plane at 7,000 feet. Not only did she take on the thrilling activity on her birthday, but she also raised more than £10,000 for three local non-profit organisations that are "very dear" to her. Speaking of her daring feat, Baillie remarked, "I really don’t do fear, it’s no good."

Who Is Manette Baillie?

Manette Baillie served with the Women’s Royal Naval Service (Wrens) in Egypt during the Second World War. After her retirement, she continued to serve the community by supporting many charities. Moreover, she has always been intrigued by adventure and has taken on many adrenaline-fuelled challenges. 

On her 100th birthday, Baillie raced a Ferrari at Silverstone, clocking up speeds of 130mph. This time, she took up sky-diving after she was inspired by her friend's 85-year-old father who had done a parachute jump. "If an 85-year-old man can do it, so can I," she asserted, speaking to The Guardian. 

Baillie broke the record for Britain’s oldest parachutist, which was previously set by Verdun Hayes, from Devon, in May 2017, when he jumped at 101 years. “I’ve been so lucky to be fit and well that I’ve got to do something with it," she told BBC. “I can’t just waste it, other people are crippled with arthritis and I’m not.”

With her jump, Baillie raised funds for three organisations-- East Anglian Air Ambulance, Motor Neurone Disease Association and her local Benhall and Sternfield Ex-servicemen’s and Village Club, which she says “is the heart and soul of our lovely community and is in need of considerable refurbishment”. 

The news of her expedition made headlines, garnering support from expert parachutists and many revered public figures. Her courage and work for the community also caught the attention of Britain's Royal Family. Prince William, who had also volunteered for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, wrote to her.

"Catherine and I hear you will be marking your 102nd birthday next week with a parachute jump! Knowing you celebrated your 100th birthday by racing a Ferrari around Silverstone, we are not surprised. From my time with East Anglian Air Ambulance, I know how many lives are saved due to the generosity of people like you.”

Baillie told the Telegraph that the letter was a “complete surprise”. Her reason for supporting the East Anglian Air Ambulance is more special, as an air ambulance saved her son’s life after a diving accident on the Isle of Wight in 1969. The organisation said, "We love hearing about the inspirational stories from EAAA supporters."

"I was once married to a paratrooper but have never done [a sky-dive] myself,” Baillie told BBC. The secret behind her fulfilling life is "community, 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.”