Oct
17

The Gran Stuff: Skydiving grans get ready! (video)

Filed Under (people) by Jan Hennop on 17-10-2009 and tagged , , ,

A trio of intrepid grannies are ready to take the plunge… a 10000 foot plunge out of an airplane at this year’s East London Airshow, writes Xolisa Mgwatyu.

GRAN POWER: Can’t access YouTube? Click here to watch video (7.7 MB -- may buffer)

For Pat Keyter, 77, Nola Rathbone, 79, and Charlotte Henman,78 age is nothing but a number and it is not holding them back from doing what they have always wished to do.

“I have been always wanting to go in a hot-air balloon and this jump will be a substitute for that,” said Keyter of Nahoon.

Keyter said she literally jumped at the opportunity when she saw the advert by the Border Aviation Club calling for grannies to take the plunge during the Elvin Extreme bi-annual airshow to be held at the East London Airport.

“My husband thinks I am crazy, but I said to him he must not interfere,” said Keyter.

She said she was looking forward to October 31 when she does the big jump, adding that her children and grandchildren were waiting eagerly too.

“Look at me now. I am ready and can do more.”

Rathbone from the East Coast Resorts said she has always wanted to take part in skydiving and that the opportunity to do it free of charge was a “big bonus”.

“I am looking forward to it. I am counting days.”

Henman of Baysville said she had initially planned to skydive on her 80th birthday next year, but was happy her wish has been granted in advance.

“I am feel so lucky to be selected. I am proud of myself.”

gransjumpAlthough the three grannies were excited about the airshow, they feared there won’t be spectators as it clashed with the Currie Cup rugby final.

“At least there will be some,” Henman said.

Twelve grannies had initially applied to take part, but two later withdrew. But only three were selected to do the jump.

Yehaaa! Granny power! Your comments…

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2 Comments Already, Leave Yours Too

Dave Rankin on 20 October, 2009 at 2:47 pm \C\PM\SAST #
    

Oh ye cannae shove your granny off the bus.
Oh ye cannae shove your granny off the bus.
Oh ye cannae shove your granny
‘Cause she’s your mommy’s mommy.
Oh ye cannae shove your granny off the bus.

Aeroplanes, however, are exempted. Go for it, ladies!


Opstoker on 19 October, 2009 at 8:25 am \C\AM\SAST #
    

I trust that none of these intrepid ladies suffers from incontinence – in which case, skip the morning tea, and strap on the Huggies.