Skydiver at 102: Her Shocking Secret to Long Life!

At 102 years old, Manette Baillie isn’t just celebrating another year of life—she’s soaring to new heights, literally. The Suffolk, England native has spent her life embracing new adventures, and her latest feat involved leaping from an airplane, all in the name of charity. Baillie’s daring skydive wasn’t just about thrill-seeking; it was a gesture of generosity, raising over $13,000 (£10,000) for charities across the UK.

Manette Baillie just celebrated her birthday by jumping out of a plane while raising over $13,000 for her favorite charities.

Baillie’s spirit of adventure is far from a recent development. A former World War II cadet with the Women’s Royal Naval Service, she’s always been one to take risks. Just two years ago, on her 100th birthday, she raced a Ferrari at Silverstone, the official track of the British Grand Prix, hitting speeds of up to 130 miles per hour. Her life has been a testament to the belief that age is just a number.

Manette Baillie served on the Women’s Royal Naval Service during World War II.

“You must always look for something new,” Baillie told reporters on Sunday, just before her big jump. Reflecting on her life, she shared that despite being married to a paratrooper, she had never tried skydiving before. The idea for this adventure was sparked when a friend mentioned that her 85-year-old father had recently completed a skydive. “If an 85-year-old man can do it, so can I,” Baillie declared, proving once again that she’s not one to shy away from a challenge.

In an interview with BBC Radio Suffolk, Baillie expressed her gratitude for her health, a blessing she doesn’t take for granted. “I’ve been so lucky to be fit and well that I’ve got to do something with it, that’s really the back of it,” she explained. “I can’t just waste it; other people are crippled with arthritis and I’m not.” Her determination to live life to the fullest is evident in her every word and action.

For her 100th birthday, Manette Baillie raced a Ferrari and reached 130 miles per hour.

The skydive took place at an airfield in Benhall Green, a place Baillie has called home for over thirty years. A large crowd of friends, family, and spectators gathered to witness the centenarian take the plunge. As the plane’s door opened, Baillie had a moment of clarity. “When the door opened I thought, there is nothing more I can do or say. Just jump,” she recounted to Sky News after the jump. Despite the rush of adrenaline, she admitted, “I remember my legs going out and it’s a kind of blur. I shut my eyes. We seem to travel at a very fast speed.”

Baillie’s skydive wasn’t just a personal milestone; it also set a new record in Britain. At 102 years old, she became the oldest skydiver in the country, surpassing the previous record held by Verdun Hayes, who was 101 years and 38 days old when he completed his jump in May 2017.

Manette Baillie raised money for three charities in her local community, including the East Anglian Air Ambulance who saved her son’s life in 1969.

Her remarkable achievement didn’t go unnoticed by the royal family. Prince William sent his well-wishes, writing, “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.” The prince’s words were a testament to Baillie’s incredible spirit and enduring zest for life.

Aside from the money she raised, Manette Baillie also earned the title of Britain’s oldest skydiver.

The funds raised from Baillie’s skydive will benefit several charities, with a particular focus on the East Anglian Air Ambulance. This cause holds personal significance for Baillie, as the organization’s first responders saved her son’s life after a car accident in 1969. Prince William, who has firsthand experience with the East Anglian Air Ambulance, added in his letter, “From my time with East Anglian Air Ambulance, I know how many lives are saved due to the generosity of people like you.”

Baillie’s secret to longevity isn’t just about staying active; it’s also about staying connected. She credits her long life to the support of her loved ones but believes there’s more to it. “Keep busy, be interested in everything, be kind to those around you and let them be kind to you,” she shared with BBC Radio. And her final piece of advice? “Don’t forget to party.”

Manette Baillie says the secrets to living a long life are kindness, curiosity and partying.

Manette Baillie’s life is a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to adventure. Whether it’s racing a Ferrari or jumping out of a plane, she’s proof that life’s excitement doesn’t have to fade with time. Instead, with the right mindset, it can soar to new heights.