Birthday skydive at 95: 'IT'S A PIECE OF CAKE!'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly|July 03, 2023
Blowing out candles was too tame for this adventurer, who took the plunge for a good cause
Ruth Jillings
Birthday skydive at 95: 'IT'S A PIECE OF CAKE!'

Every five years since her 85th birthday, Jean Crabtree has taken to the skies to celebrate by leaping out of a plane 12,000 feet (3657 metres) above Tauranga – and turning 95 wasn’t going to stop her.

Proving age is no barrier to adventure, she rounded up 18 of her family and friends to jump with her, marking her April milestone skydiving with a charitable twist.

Describing the skydive as “a piece of cake”, Jean says, “I wasn’t scared at all.”

When asked why she wanted to skydive, Jean chuckles, “For the hell of it. If there’s a challenge, I’ll go for it. If anybody dares me, I’ll do it. After the jump, I had a choice to take the bus or go on the back of [friend] Tomas’ motorbike, so of course I went on the motorbike!”

Jean is thrilled at how much her fellow jumpers enjoyed the experience. At 96, former gymnast, friend and village resident John Rowlandson was the oldest jumper and a first-timer who described the experience as “magic”.

“He did two somersaults on the way down and couldn’t sleep that night for the sheer pleasure of reliving the experience.”

Jean, who lives at Greenwood Park Retirement Village, is motivated by her competitive streak and is always up for a challenge.

Denne historien er fra July 03, 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra July 03, 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA NEW ZEALAND WOMAN'S WEEKLYSe alt
Sweet SUCCESS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Sweet SUCCESS

Delicious twists on traditional favourites

time-read
6 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Calzone CRAVING
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Calzone CRAVING

Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers

time-read
1 min  |
September 16, 2024
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'

The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'

It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'

Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE

The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE

The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT

Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS

The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME

Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024