By The Nexus Gazette.
August 28, 2024
Proving that age is just a number, 102-year-old Manette Baillie from Suffolk, England, made history on Sunday by becoming Britain’s oldest skydiver. To mark her milestone birthday, she took a leap of faith from the skies at Beccles Airfield, leaving onlookers in awe of her indomitable spirit.
Manette Baillie, a resident of Benhall Green near Saxmundham, embraced the adventure of a lifetime as she boarded a plane for her record-breaking skydive. Strapped securely to an experienced instructor, Mrs. Baillie ascended to 10,000 feet before making the heart-stopping jump. As she soared through the sky, the centenarian felt the thrill of freefall, followed by the tranquil descent once the parachute deployed.
Despite admitting that the experience was “a bit scary,” Mrs. Baillie completed the jump with determination, a beaming smile, and a newfound title as the oldest skydiver in the UK. Her fearless dive is a testament to her vibrant spirit and her belief that age should never limit one’s sense of adventure.
Manette Baillie is no stranger to thrill-seeking endeavors. For her 100th birthday, she pushed the boundaries by driving a Ferrari around Silverstone Circuit at a blistering 130 mph. Her zest for life and enthusiasm for new experiences have made her a local legend and a source of inspiration for many. Mrs. Baillie’s message to the world is clear: “Just keep going, don’t let age hold you back from pursuing your dreams.”
Mrs. Baillie’s skydive wasn’t just a personal challenge; it was also an opportunity to support causes close to her heart. Through her daring feat, she raised funds for three charities:
- Benhall and Sternfield Ex-Servicemen’s Club: A community hub in her village, which has been a pillar of support since its founding after World War I.
- Motor Neurone Disease Association: A cause dear to her, as her great-niece is battling this debilitating disease. Mrs. Baillie hopes her contribution will aid in finding a cure.
- East Anglia Air Ambulance: Having experienced the life-saving work of this organization when her son was rescued after a diving accident, Mrs. Baillie remains a passionate supporter.
As Mrs. Baillie landed safely and basked in the applause of family, friends, and well-wishers, she jokingly mentioned that she might now take up a more tranquil hobby, like knitting. But her legacy as Britain’s oldest skydiver will undoubtedly inspire people of all ages to live life to the fullest and continue challenging themselves, no matter how old they are.
Her remarkable achievement is a reminder that courage, determination, and a sense of adventure can lead to incredible experiences, even in the later stages of life.Our warmest congratulations to Manette Baillie on this extraordinary accomplishment. May her story continue to inspire generations to come.
Resources:
1.https://apnews.com/video/skydiving-united-kingdom-0f900459d449443dbe0cc3e191c0eec3
2.https://www.wunc.org/2024-08-27/a-102-year-old-woman-becomes-the-united-kingdoms-oldest-skydiver
3.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy0n431gddlo
5.https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/102-year-old-woman-becomes-uks-oldest-skydiver-6417089
6.https://www.indiatoday.in/world/video/uk-oldest-skydiver-102-year-old-2589471-2024-08-28
8.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoOPvNraq-E