Daredevil Vera, 93, Gives Us Life Lessons!

When Kate Jones tagged us in a Facebook post about a hot air balloon flight she had just completed with her Mum, Vera, we knew we had to follow it up. This was because Kate told us that she had not only done it with her mother as part of her bucket list but also that her fab mum was 93!

We spoke to Kate about Vera just in time for Mother’s Day and found out a bit more about what makes her tick as a 93-year young person!

“She's a very fit and active 93-year-old, 94 in April! Mum's from South Wales originally but has lived in Worcester since 2011.

She's a bit of a daredevil and would even consider a parachute jump! I drew the line at that and was a little concerned at first about the balloon flight.

When I saw the basket and how we were to get in it, I was concerned Mum may not manage it as she had a hip replacement 3 years ago, but all our worries faded away on the day by the excitement of seeing the balloon inflated, the anticipation and atmosphere, plus the experience and reassuring nature of our pilot who helped Mum get into the balloon on its side so she got in comfortably.”

It's obvious that Vera and Kate have a great relationship as a hot air balloon experience is something that you do with someone you enjoy being with. But it goes deeper than that, as the answers to the questions we posed about what Vera has learnt throughout her fruitful life proved.

• What’s something you always wanted to do but didn’t ― and why didn’t you?

"Go sky diving, as I've never had the opportunity or a helicopter flight. I've always been a bit of a daredevil and enjoyed roller coaster rides in my youth."

• Was there an experience your parents had when you were a kid that you swore you’d never do yourself?

"Smoking!"

• What’s the best trip you’ve ever taken?

"To St Louis, Missouri to visit my daughter when she was living there, and we had the opportunity to visit Elvis's house, Graceland and take a paddle steamer trip on the Mississippi."

• Is there a moment or event that radically changed the way you saw the world?

"Becoming a mother to my wonderful daughter, who has been my best friend over the years."

• What would your perfect day be like?

"Flying away on a lovely sunny holiday to a historical city like Paris, Barcelona, or Rome, I love seeing the sights and having a nice meal at a pavement cafe with a glass of chilled Rose."

• What’s the one song or album that means the most to you?

"The Green, Green, Grass of Home by the great Tom Jones, who's from my hometown of Pontypridd!"

• Is the present year anything like you imagined it would be when you were growing up?

"????"

• What advice would you give to your younger self?

"Enjoy every minute, do what you can at every stage of life, and think positive!"

Such inspirational answers in such uncertain times. We could all do with considering Vera's advice about thinking positive and enjoying life, plus it's lovely to hear about the relationship that Vera and Kate have. We hope they have a lovely Mother's Day and continue to fulfil Vera's quest for adrenaline!