102-year-old UK woman skydives to raise money for charity

AUSTIN ( NewsNation ) — A 102-year-old United Kingdom woman celebrated her birthday not by blowing out candles but by jumping 13,000 feet out of a plane.

Manette Baillie became the oldest skydiver in the United Kingdom after she took the plunge over Beccles in the English county of Suffolk on Sunday.

Baillie told “Morning in America” that two of her friends gave her the idea to jump out of a plane.

“They told me their grandfathers and fathers all did it in their 80s, and when they arrived on Earth again, they all said, “We’ll do it again.'” So, if it’s that simple, I’ll do it,” she said.

Baillie’s daring jump is part of her effort to raise money for three charities “very dear” to her heart: Motor Neurone Disease Association, East Anglia Air Ambulance and the Benhall and Sternfield Ex Servicemens’ Village Social Club.

She plans to raise £30,000, about $39,200 USD, and donate £10,000, about $13,200 USD, to each charity.

“I want to make the message clear that when you get to your 80s and 90s, don’t give up, fight that old age all the time, and don’t give up any hobbies or sports. You can’t do them as well as you did, that’s all. But just keep at it and gather all your friends around you and entertain them and be sociable. And the days will pass, and you won’t realize you’re getting to be 100,” she said.

Baillie is no stranger to adventure. She celebrated her 100th birthday by driving around the Silverstone race track in a Ferrari at 130 mph. Ahead of her jump, she received a special note of support from Prince William.

To support Baillie’s fundraiser, click here .

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