Manette Baillie, at 102 years old, has just set a new record in Britain. She’s officially the oldest skydiver in the country after leaping from a plane at 7,000 feet. And she did it to celebrate her birthday! Most people blow out candles or have a slice of cake—Manette? She decided to jump out of a plane. No big deal, right?
For many, the thought of skydiving is enough to break into a cold sweat. But not for Manette. She’s always had a bit of a daredevil streak, even as she crossed the century mark. Born in 1922, she has lived through World War II, served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRENS), and has never been one to let age slow her down. Her words say it all: “I just want other people who are getting towards 80 and 90 not to give up on anything.” And that’s the spirit she took into her first-ever parachute jump at Beccles Airfield in Suffolk.
After landing safely back on the ground, Manette admitted that it wasn’t all smooth sailing up there. “It was a bit scary,” she confessed in an interview with BBC Radio 4. “I must admit I shut my eyes very firmly.” Well, who wouldn’t! Yet, despite the nerves, she made it—and she’s the oldest Brit to have done so. When asked how she felt post-jump, her one word was simple: “breathless.” But breathless in the best possible way.
Manette didn’t just leap for fun (although let’s face it, skydiving at 102 is pretty cool on its own). She did it for a cause close to her heart. The skydive helped raise money for renovations on her beloved Benhall Ex-Servicemen’s Village Social Club, a place that’s been part of her life for decades. The club, built 80 years ago for returning servicemen, still stands, and Manette’s mission is to help “do it up” for future generations. This old building started as a “rickety tin hut,” she says, and now it’s a cornerstone for the community, where Manette enjoys playing board games with her friends. She’s using her adventure to ensure the place gets the love it needs to stay standing strong.
But this isn’t the first time Manette has celebrated her birthday with something adrenaline-fueled. Two years ago, for her 100th birthday, she got behind the wheel of a Ferrari at the Silverstone Circuit. And yes, she floored it—reaching speeds of up to 130 miles per hour! At 100 years old! That’s the kind of energy Manette brings to life. And it’s not just racing or skydiving. She still drives her own car. When asked how she stays so active, her answer is simple and full of wisdom: “I’ve been so lucky to be fit and well that I’ve got to do something with it. I can’t just waste it.”
Manette is proof that age is truly just a number. Her life philosophy revolves around community, friends, and staying involved with the people around her. She’s lived over a century, and for her, the secret to longevity isn’t hidden in some magic potion or complex routine. It’s in staying connected, keeping busy, and not letting life pass you by. Her advice to anyone who might feel the years creeping up? “Just keep going.”
The energy and zest Manette brings to life is inspiring for people of any age. Many of us, by our 30s or 40s, are starting to think about slowing down. We often use aging as an excuse to say, “Well, I guess I can’t do that anymore.” But then you look at Manette—a woman who, at 102, is doing things that most people in their 20s and 30s wouldn’t dream of. She’s driving fast cars, jumping out of planes, and raising money for causes she believes in.
Her latest adventure, the skydive, isn’t just a personal accomplishment. It’s a message. A message to every person out there who might think they’re too old to try something new or too set in their ways to break out of their comfort zone. If Manette can jump out of a plane at 102, what’s stopping you from chasing your own adventures?
One of the most striking things about Manette’s story is her perspective on life. She doesn’t dwell on what she can’t do, but on what she can. Sure, not everyone is as physically capable at her age. “Other people are crippled with arthritis, and I’m not,” she acknowledges, but she’s quick to emphasize that she doesn’t take her health for granted. She knows she’s lucky, and she’s determined to use that gift for as long as she can.
In a world where we’re constantly being told to slow down, to accept limitations, to act our age—Manette is a breath of fresh air. She’s proof that life doesn’t have to get smaller as we get older. In fact, if anything, it can get bigger, bolder, and a lot more fun.
So, what’s next for Manette? After flying through the skies and speeding around a racetrack, it’s hard to imagine what else is on her bucket list. But if we’ve learned anything from her, it’s that she’ll never stop dreaming big. Whatever comes next, we can be sure she’ll take it on with the same fearless, full-of-life attitude she’s had for the past 102 years. And that’s a lesson for all of us. Don’t let age hold you back. Just keep going—whatever that means for you.
Manette Baillie is living proof that it’s never too late for adventure.