Record-breaking 102-year-old skydiver Manette Baillie reveals her secret to a long life.
Manette Baillie marked her 102nd birthday by jumping out of a plane and sharing her surprising secret to a long life.
While many might choose a slice of cake and a couple of beers to celebrate a milestone birthday, 102-year-old Manette Baillie took a different approach.
The Suffolk, England, resident marked her 102nd birthday with an exhilarating skydive.
This daring feat defied expectations for someone of her age.
102-year-old Skydiver embraces adventurous spirit
Manette’s adventurous spirit is nothing new.
At 100, she celebrated by racing a Ferrari around the Silverstone Circuit at speeds of up to 130 miles per hour.
For her 102nd birthday, she took to the skies, jumping out of a plane.
Additionally, She did this over her hometown of Benhall Green, where she has lived for nearly thirty years.
A crowd of family and friends gathered at the local airfield to witness the daring jump, which also served a charitable purpose.
Manette’s skydive helped raise $13,000 for several UK charities close to her heart.
Manette Baillie embraces life with enthusiasm on her 102nd birthday
Manette shared her philosophy on longevity with reporters and BBC Radio Suffolk.
During the interview, she emphasized the importance of staying active and engaged.
“You must always look for something new,” she said. Having been previously married to a paratrooper, she decided to try skydiving herself after hearing about an 85-year-old friend’s father completing a jump. “If an 85-year-old man can do it, so can I,” she remarked.
Her advice for maintaining good health and a positive outlook includes staying busy and showing interest in various activities.
She also emphasizes the importance of being kind to others.
“I’ve been so lucky to be fit and well that I’ve got to do something with it,” Manette explained. “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.”
Manette also expresses the thrill of the jump
Describing her skydive to Sky News, Manette recalled, “When the door opened I thought, there is nothing more I can do or say. Just jump. Well, I suppose I jumped. 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.”
She described the experience as a blur but exhilarating, with the sensation of traveling at a very fast speed.
Ahead of her skydive, Manette received a message of encouragement from Prince William.
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cambridge acknowledged her adventurous spirit and remarkable achievements.
While they noted her previous Ferrari race, they expressed their admiration.
Manette Baillie’s life serves as an inspiring example of how staying active, curious, and positive can lead to a vibrant and fulfilling life.
Her recent skydive and charitable efforts underscore her belief in making the most of every moment.
As she continues to embrace new challenges, her story reminds us all of the value of living life to the fullest. This holds true regardless of age.