Published 15:06 IST, December 13th 2018
Unstoppable | 102-year-old great-grandma has created a world record in skydiving. Read her inspiring story
Irene O'Shea seemed to have gifted herself a world record as she turned 102 years this year. She has become the world’s oldest female skydiver.
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If you thought the words great grandmother and adrenal junkie don't go together, this 102 year-old from Athelstone, South Australia has proved you wrong.
Irene O'Shea seemed to have gifted herself a world record as she turned 102 years this year. She has become the world’s oldest female skydiver, say reports
Three days ago, the great grandmother to eleven, took a plunge from 14,000 feet (4,300 metres) at a speed of 220 kilometre per hour (140 mph)
This however is not her first feat, as she had celebrated her 100th birthday by skydiving for the first time in 2016.
The record breaking dive this year was not only done to quench her thirst for thrill. O’Shea did it to raise money for $12,000 for Motor Neurone Disease.
Motor Neurone is fatal disease that affects the brain and the nerves. It leads to weakness which which gets worse over time.
Her daughter Shelagh died from the disease at the age of 67. She has raised $12,000 so far and aims to raise $ 10,000 more. “I lost my daughter to that terrible disease 10 years ago and I miss her,” she said.
The sky is barely the limit for her she sets higher goal for herself. “Possibly I will jump next year and if I live long enough I’ll jump at 105,” she said.
O'Shea, has lived in the same Athelstone house since she arrived to Australia from England in 1974. She drives her own car and reads without glasses. She has minor health issues. O'Shea has five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Her daughter Shelagh's husband Mike Fitzhenry watched her during her proud moment.“I felt inspired by her — the attitude and courage and fearlessness is amazing,” he said.
Watch the video of her record breaking skydive here.
13:42 IST, December 13th 2018