A 102-year-old woman in Britain celebrated her birthday in a unique way this year. On August 25, Manette Bailey, who was once married to a paratrooper and served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service during World War II, skydived from a plane and became the oldest woman to do so.
Ms Bailey has teamed up with UK Parachuting Services Ltd in a charity event to raise money for Benhall village hall, the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the East Anglian Air Ambulance, which saved her son’s life on the Isle of Wight after a diving accident in 1969. Her efforts have so far raised more than £10,000 of her £30,000 target, inspiring others to contribute too.
Shortly after jumping from 7,000ft above Beccles airfield in East Anglia, Ms Bailey told BBC radio she was “out of breath”.
“It was a bit scary. I admit I closed my eyes pretty tight,” she said.
Speaking about healthy ageing, she said, “I just want other people who are getting into their 80s and 90s to not give up. Just keep going. I’ve been so lucky to be fit and healthy, so I have to do something with it, that’s the point,” she said. “I can’t just let it go to waste, other people are suffering with arthritis, and I’m not.”
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The incredible Manatee Bailey went skydiving at Beccles Airfield this morning for his 102nd birthday sponsored by Goldster!! #manateebailey #102YearOldSkydiver pic.twitter.com/q1FOZtqzyU
— Goldster (@GoldsterClub) August 25, 2024
It wasn’t the first time the war veteran had sought an adrenaline rush. On his 100th birthday, he drove a Ferrari at 130mph at Silverstone, setting yet another record. Speaking to Radio 4, he confirmed his fearless nature, saying: “I’m not scared really. It’s not nice. It starts out at 130mph before they pull the rip cord for the parachute, and then it just floats down slowly.”
Ms Bailey was inspired to take on the skydiving challenge after watching a friend’s 85-year-old father do something similar. “If an 85-year-old can do it, so can I,” she said.
Prince William also praised Ms Bailey’s courage, The Guardian reported. In a heartfelt note, the prince wrote, “Catherine and I heard you will celebrate your 102nd birthday by jumping out of a parachute! Given your history of racing Ferraris at the age of 100, we are not surprised!”