UK’s Oldest Skydiver Celebrates 102nd Birthday In Style

Daily Mail

Suffolk: A 102-year-old woman from Central Suffolk showed a remarkable act of bravery and tenacity after becoming the oldest skydiver in the United Kingdom by taking a risky leap from 7,000 feet.

Manette Bailey, marking her 102nd birthday, chose to forgo a traditional cake for an adventurous skydiving experience. Her jump, undertaken to support various charities, exemplifies not only her bravery but also her commitment to giving back.

When reflecting on her skydive, Bailey admitted that she wasn’t initially scared. “The experience was quite risky and I had to be very cautious while landing to avoid injuring my feet,” she said. However, as the plane door opened and the cold air hit her face, she briefly questioned her decision.

Manette was inspired by her father, who skydived at age 83. “If he can do it at 83, why can’t I at 102?” She recalled thinking, driven to demonstrate that age is merely a number.

Despite the challenges, Bailey remained focused on her charitable mission. “I don’t have much time left for fundraising so I wanted to make this a significant success,” 102-year-old woman noted.