A 97-year-old grandmother from Gloucestershire is set to defy expectations once again, planning her sixth wing walk in early August. Betty Bromage, who already holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest female wing walker, intends to extend her remarkable achievement while simultaneously raising funds for a vital stroke unit.
Mrs Bromage, a resident of Cheltenham, discovered her adventurous spirit later in life, embarking on extreme sports after confronting various health challenges, including a stroke that continues to affect her mobility. She expressed a strong desire to remain active, stating, "The last thing on earth I want to do is lie in bed and have people run around after me." Her upcoming wing walk, scheduled for 4 August 2026, will benefit the stroke unit at Cheltenham General Hospital, which provided her with crucial support.
Her journey into wing walking began in 2016. Mrs Bromage developed an interest in the daring activity after moving into an assisted living facility, where she found herself with more free time. She recalled being inspired by a 1991 advert featuring a woman on a plane's wing, which planted the seed for her future endeavours. Despite enduring a spinal injury in her 60s that left her paralysed for three months and a stroke in August 2025 which resulted in a fractured pelvis, her determination remains undimmed.
Four years ago, at the age of 93, Mrs Bromage secured her initial Guinness World Record. Her previous stunts have included challenging manoeuvres such as a loop-the-loop and a barrel roll, all performed as part of fundraising efforts for charities like Sue Ryder. Her upcoming attempt will take place at RFC Rendcomb Airfield in Cirencester.
Steve Bangs, CEO of Pegasus Homes, the company managing Mrs Bromage's assisted living facility, commended her spirit. He described her as "a truly inspirational individual and living proof that later life should be about new experiences, with age being no barrier to adventure." He added that everyone at the facility looks forward to cheering her on during her next record-breaking feat.