Cheltenham gran, 97, breaks her own world record after sixth wing walk
Summary
Daring grandmother Betty Bromage has achieved her sixth wing walk at the remarkable age of 97, further cementing her own Guinness World Record as the oldest female wing walker in the world.
Details
Beyond making history once more, Betty’s latest high-flying escapade – which included a barrel roll, a loop and speeds of 150mph at 3,000ft – aims to raise much-needed funds for the stroke unit at her local Cheltenham General Hospital.
Organised by local wing-walking and aerobatics specialists AeroSuperBatics, the feat took place at RFC Rendcomb Airfield in Cirencester, where family, friends, supporters and members of the press gathered to witness the extraordinary accomplishment.
The Cheltenham resident first took to wing walking at the age of 87, after moving into a local Pegasus Homes retirement community and resolving to embrace new experiences. Since then, she has become an unlikely fundraising champion, tackling a series of aerial feats for causes dear to her, including Sue Ryder and initiatives supporting the elderly.
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In 2022, at the age of 93, she secured her place in the record books as the oldest female wing walker. This year’s record-breaking flight carried particular meaning for Betty, who decided to raise money for Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity, supporting the stroke unit at Cheltenham General Hospital after receiving treatment there following a stroke in 2025.
Living with limited mobility and vision problems, she remains resolute in demonstrating that age and challenges shouldn’t restrict ambition. After touching down, Betty commented: “I’m thrilled to have completed another wing walk. The support I’ve received has been incredible, and I’m proud to be raising money for the wonderful team at Cheltenham General Hospital who looked after me so well.
If my story encourages even one person to keep challenging themselves and making the most of life, then it’s been worth every minute.” Betty’s accomplishment represents the latest in a remarkable series of recent exploits, including aerobatics, zip-lining and abseiling – a narrative that has garnered nationwide interest and questioned assumptions about growing older.
At 97, she continues demonstrating that adventure, bravery and community spirit know no age boundaries. Speaking about the remarkable feat, Imogen Sims, community fundraiser at Cheltenham and Gloucester hospitals, remarked: “Betty is nothing short of extraordinary! “Taking on her sixth wing walk at the age of 97, beating her own world record, and raising funds for charity is an incredible achievement.
Report source: Gloucestershire Live