A woman from Suffolk plans to mark her 102nd birthday on Sunday with a record-breaking skydive.

Manette Baillie will become the oldest person in Britain to skydive when she jumps from a plane over East Anglia on Sunday.

It will also mark the first time she has ever done it.

She will be completing the challenge from Beccles Airfield to raise money for three causes: the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA), the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Benhall Village Hall.

Ms Baillie, who served in the Woman’s Royal Naval Service (WRENS) in Egypt during the Second World War, told the EAAA: “You must always look for something new.

“I was once married to a paratrooper but have never done it [a skydive] myself.”

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Well wishes and donations have come in from parachutists and experts studying how best to live fulfilling lives well into old age, and Ms Baillie has even received a personal letter from the Prince of Wales ahead of the challenge.

The almost 102-year-old, who still drives, is no stranger to pushing herself to her limits – she celebrated her 100th birthday behind the wheel of a Ferrari racing car at Silverstone, reaching a speed of 130mph.

“Community, friends and being among people is my secret to a fulfilling life,” she said.

“Keep busy, be interested in everything, be kind to those around you and let them be kind to you. And don’t forget to party.”

In a statement, the EAAA said: “We love hearing about the inspirational stories from EAAA supporters, so we were completely overwhelmed when we heard about Manette’s kindness and her exciting plans to celebrate her 102nd birthday.”

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It added: “From everybody at East Anglian Air Ambulance, a heartfelt thank you and happy birthday, Manette.”

The record for the oldest person ever to skydive belongs to 106-year-old Texan Alfred “Al” Blaschke.

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