Verdun Hayes who is planning a skydive – at the age of 100. See SWNS story SWDIVE: A Second World War veteran is defying doctor’s advice and is set to become the UK’s oldest skydiver – at the age of 100. While most settle for a letter from the Queen, Verdun Hayes is preparing to celebrate reaching his centenary by leaping out of a plane at several thousand feet. The plucky pensioner, currently 99, served during the D-Day invasion of Gold Beach and says he can’t wait to complete the challenge – despite his GP refusing to grant him permission to complete the jump. But the self-described “daredevil” turned to the British Parachute Association to get the nod of approval and is now set to become the oldest skydiver in Britain.