Britain's oldest skydiver receives award after being praised by Prince William

The Prince Of Wales praised Manette Baillie (Image: Getty)

Britain’s oldest skydiver, whose death defying exploits were praised by Prince William, is being given a special award for her charity work.

Broadcaster, writer and former politician Gyles Brandreth has written to 102-year old Manette Baillie, asking her to collect her award from the magazine Oldie at a special ceremony in Whitehall, central London, next month. In his letter to Ms Baille Mr Brandreth wrote: “For the last 32 years, The Oldie magazine has held an awards ceremony to celebrate the achievements of those who have made a special contribution to public life and have an undoubted in their celery. I have been the chair of the judges for the last seven years, and this year’s committee would very much like to give you an award to recognise your special contribution.”

Prince William also wrote a personal letter to the fearless centenarian and former World War 2 Women’s Royal Navy Service (WRENS) from Benhall, Suffolk, before she made the tandem leap last summer. The jump, which made Ms Baillie the oldest parachutist, was made in aid of various causes including the East Anglian Air Ambulance service where Prince William piloted a helicopter for three years. The Prince of Wales wrote: “From my time with East Anglian Air Ambulance, I know how many lives are saved from the generosity of people like you.”

Gyles Brandreth asks oldest skydiver to ceremony (Image: Getty)

Ms Baille, said: “The air ambulance is close to my heart because a helicopter saved my son’s life on the Isle of Wight after a diving accident in 1969. Even now, every Saturday I hold a Coffee Morning at my cottage with everyone chipping in to donate money.”

Her skydive also raised money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association - a disease that her great niece suffers from.

Previous Oldie award winners include comedian Barry Humprhies, Queen Elizabeth 11, The Queen mother and former Prime Minister Sir John Major.

Oldie judges, chaired by Mr Brandreth, include Dame Maureen Lipman and Sir Tim Rice.

Mike Reid, CEO of Goldster, the UK’s leading preventative health platform which sponsored Ms Baillie’s skydive said: “Laughter and adventure lead to wellbeing and fulfilment. We were delighted to be involved.”

Manette Baillie does tandem skydive aged 102 (Image: Getty)