Betty Bromage, a 97-year-old retired nurse from Gloucestershire, has broken her own Guinness World Record as the oldest female wingwalker. Performing at RFC Rendcomb Airfield, she used the daring stunt to raise money for Cheltenham General Hospital.
The August 4 flight at RFC Rendcomb Airfield
On August 4, Betty Bromage strapped hesrelf to a biplane at RFC Rendcomb Airfield to secure her place in history once again. According to the report, the 97-year-old described the experience of dangling upside down from the aircraft as "a doddle," though she noted that fairground rides actually cause her more anxiety than flying through the air.
The physical act of wingwalking—standing or walking on the wings of a plane during flight—is a hobby Bromage has pursued for a decade. While the flight itself is manageable, Bromage admitted that her petite stature makes the initial climb onto the wing the most challenging part of the operation.
From a 1991 Crunchie advert to a world record
The catalyst for this extreme pursuit dates back to 1991, when Betty Bromage saw a woman standing atop a plane in a Crunchie chocolate bar advertisement. This spark of curiosity remained dormant until later in life, when a series of personal upheavals led her to seek out high-adrenaline activities to combat the stagnation of aging.
Bromage's transition into extreme sports followed the death of her husband of 51 years and a subsequent move into a care home.. As reported, she felt stifled by overprotective staff and feared she would "get bored of life" without a way to stay active, despite limitations in her vision and an inability to drive.
Raising funds for Cheltenham General Hospital after a stroke
The daring flights serve a purpose beyond personal thrill; they are fundraising vehicles for Cheltenham General Hospital. This is a cause close to Bromage's heart, as she previously received medical treatment at the facility. Imogen Sims of the Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals charity has praised Bromage as an "amazing" figure whose bravery directly benefits patients and staff.
This resilience is particularly notable given that Betty Bromage is recovering from a stroke she suffered last year. While she mentions that her speech is occasionally affected, she remains committed to her goals, having first set the world record at the age of 93. Her motivation is rooted in a philosophy of immediate kindness and action, inspired by a quote she encountered during a hospital stay.
What 'something speccial' looks like for a 100th birthday
While the current record is secure, Betty Bromage is already looking toward her centenary. Steve Bangs, the CEO of Pegasus Homes where Bromage resides, has highlighted her as an inspirational figure who embodies a full life. However, the specific nature of her 100th-birthday celebration remains a mystery , as she has only joked that she will need to "think of something special."
Several details remain unverified in the current reporting. it is unclear exactly how much money has been raised for Cheltenham General Hospital through these stunts, and the report does not specify the safety protocols or medical clearances required for a 97-year-old stroke survivor to participate in such high-risk aviation activities. furthermore, the source only provides the perspective of the charity and the care home CEO,leaving the views of the aviation safety regulators unaddressed.
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