Britain's 102-year-old woman makes birthday jump from plane, becomes country's oldest skydiver
Images of Manette Baillie, minutes before and after skydiving.
Britain's102-year-old daredevil woman - Manette Baillie - marked her birthday by jumping from the plane at 7,000 feet above Beccles Airfield in East Anglia.
The oldest skydiver in the country took the daunting task of raising funds for three charities - the East Anglian Air Ambulance, Motor Neurone Disease Association and Benhall Village Hall.
Baillie had an adventurous life. She was appointed to the Woman’s Royal Naval Service (WRENS) inEgyptduring theSecond World Warand had married a paratrooper.
Also Read:World’s oldest person US-born Spanish Maria Branyas dies at 117
Bailee, who has still been driving regularly, marked her 100th birthday by driving a Ferrari racing car at the speed of 130 mph at Silverstone race course.
While speaking to Radio 4, Manette Baillie said, "I really don't do fear it's no good. It's 130 miles per hour to begin with before they pull the rip cords for the parachute and then it's gently floating down."
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"I play an active part in the community and people often ask me what is the secret of old age. Of course, it is luck but I would say keep both physically and mentally active and socialise!" Baillie had earlier said.
Britain'soldest skydiver receives wishes from across the world
Baillie received birthday wishes from many people, including the Prince of Wales who wrote a personal letter to her and gave tips from avid parachutists.
According to her, the secret of her long and fulfilling life is spending time with "community, friends and being among people."
Watch:World's oldest woman dies at 117 in Spain
"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," she said.
Reacting to Baillie's skydiving, the East Anglian Air Ambulance in a statement said, "We love hearing about the inspirational stories from EAAA supporters, so we were completely overwhelmed when we heard about Manette’s kindness and her exciting plans to celebrate her 102nd birthday."
(With inputs from agencies)