The daredevil 102-year-old is taking on her greatest challenge yet. Photo credit: Goldster. X.
Manette Baillie, a 102-year-old woman from Suffolk, celebrated her milestone birthday with the ultimate adrenaline rush: a skydive.
This daring feat was not only a personal achievement but also a fundraiser for three charities close to her heart: the East Anglian Air Ambulance, the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Benhall Village Hall.
Ms Baillie has already raised an impressive £9,000 of her fundraising target of £30,000 and hopes to reach her goal as more people become aware of her incredible achievement. Speaking about her daring jump, Ms Baillie said: “When the door opened, I thought I had no choice but to jump. I saw everything blurry and closed my eyes.”
The local community stood behind Ms Baillie and cheered her on as she descended from the sky. Her brave act has inspired many and contributed to her fundraising efforts for her three beloved causes.
Thrill seeker faces another challenge
This is not the first time that adrenaline junkie Ms Baillie has taken on such a hair-raising challenge. She also celebrated her 100th birthday by driving a Ferrari racing car at speeds of up to 210 km/h on the Silverstone race track.
“I play an active role in the community and people often ask me what the secret to old age is. Of course it’s luck, but I would say stay active both physically and mentally and maintain social contacts!” said Ms Baillie.
This is how Mrs Baillie’s dive went
A group of around 40 family members, friends and neighbours from her home of 50 years, Benhall, gathered to watch the spectacle of the new record-breaker’s skydive. As the blue dot of Ms Baillie’s parachute grew ever closer in the distance, the crowd erupted in cheers and shouts.
Her nearest and dearest admired her achievement and her fearless character: “She is a rock, fearless, she doesn’t complain about tragedies for long,” said her close friend Humphrey Hawksley.
Even the experienced skydiver team was touched by her courage. “I had tears in my eyes up there. It’s incredible what she does,” said experienced skydiver and cameraman Nick Herridge.
Alongside the admiration, there was also relief that the parachute jump had taken place. As it was threatened with cancellation due to strong winds, the decision was made to bring the jump forward. Manette said before the jump: “There is no reason to be nervous. You just have to keep going. You just have to do it.”
Manette finally admitted that she felt a slight tingling sensation in her stomach when she was back on solid ground, saying, “When the door opened, I felt sick.”
Once the excitement and nerves of the jump had subsided, Manette headed to the Benhall Ex-Servicemen’s Club – one of the charities Manette raises money for – for some well-deserved tea, cake and big band music.
