‘She’s undaunted – what will she attempt next year?!’
by Jordan Milne, specialized producer
The audience gasped as a tiny white speck emerged from the side of the aircraft.
For a moment, the vibrant blue of her parachute captured the attention of the people gathered below.
She glided down to the sounds of cheers: “There she is,” “Oh my goodness, look at her,” and “She’s accomplished it” from approximately 50 relatives, friends, and neighbours from Benhall, the village where Manette Baillie has resided for the past five decades.
Waving “we’re proud of you” banners and under a “you did it!” balloon arch, the crowd erupted in applause as the 102-year-old stood up within minutes of her landing.
“She’s an absolute pillar of strength, courageous, and never fixates on grievances or misfortunes,” remarked close friend Humphrey Hawksley.
Everyone, including the team that jumped alongside her, expressed deep admiration.
“I became quite emotional up there; it’s incredible what she’s achieving,” stated veteran parachute jumper and cameraman Nick Herridge.
There were concerns that the jump might be called off due to wind conditions, but it was instead moved up — nerve-wracking for some, yet Manette remained unfazed.
Prior to the jump, while donning her jumpsuit and rehearsing her landing, the former Wren appeared calm and composed, stating: “There’s nothing to be anxious about. You simply have to keep moving forward. You just need to do it.”
It was not until her feet touched the earth again that she confessed to feeling slightly jittery: “When the door opened, my stomach did flip.”
Manette is well-regarded among friends for going the extra distance to commemorate her significant occasions.
“She’s truly inspirational; what will she do to celebrate her 103rd birthday?!” exclaimed her great-niece Izzy Robinson.
With the thrill of the jump behind her, Manette and her family and friends headed to the Benhall Ex-Servicemen’s Club — one of the charitable organizations Manette is fundraising for — to enjoy tea, cake, and big band melodies.
