102nd Birthday, British Grandmother Dives from 2100m Altitude

Eldest Skydiver in the UK
Also a World War II Veteran

A '102-year-old grandmother' who served in the British Army during World War II has become the oldest skydiver in the UK.

On the 25th (local time), British daily newspapers such as The Guardian reported that Manette Bailey (102), who lives in Benhall Green, Suffolk, successfully completed a skydive from 2,100 meters above ground. The day was also Bailey's 102nd birthday. It was reported that a safety officer accompanied Bailey during the skydive.

Manette Bailey, who became a 2100m skydiver at the age of 102
[Photo by X]

Bailey is also a veteran who served in the Women's Royal Naval Service during World War II. She reportedly served in Egypt. After safely completing the skydive, Bailey told local media in an interview, "You always have to look for something new," and explained her motivation for attempting skydiving: "I married a paratrooper, but I had never tried jumping myself."

Bailey became interested in skydiving after hearing that a friend's father successfully completed a skydive at the age of 85. She said, "That made me decide to take on the challenge," emphasizing, "If an 85-year-old can do it, so can I." She also expressed her desire to try skydiving again immediately after landing.

Bailey recalled her feelings at the moment, saying, "When the airplane door opened just before the jump, I thought there was nothing more I could do or say. I just jumped." She added, "My memory of the scene after jumping is blurry. I had my eyes closed and was falling at a very fast speed." It is said that many neighbors from the local community gathered to watch her challenge, creating a huge crowd. Additionally, the event raised ?10,000 (about 17.5 million KRW) for charity.

With this successful challenge, she earned the title of 'the oldest skydiver in the UK.' The previous record holder was Verdon Hayes from Devon, England, who successfully completed a parachute jump at the age of 101 in May 2017.

In an interview with BBC Radio, Bailey shared her advice for healthy living: "I hope others approaching their 80s and 90s don't give up on anything. Stay busy, be interested in everything, be kind to those around you, and make sure they treat you kindly as well. And don't forget to enjoy parties."