Full Breakdown
97-Year-Old Betty Bromage Sets New Guinness Record for Wingwalking
8/5/2026, 11:02:11 PM
Record-Breaking Wingwalks
Betty Bromage, a 97-year-old resident of Cheltenham, has broken the Guinness World Record for the oldest female wing walker. She completed her sixth wingwalk on an Aero-Super-Batics biplane at RFC Rendcomb Airfield near Cirencester, surpassing the record she set four years earlier. The achievement follows a stroke she suffered in August of the previous year, which left her speech affected but left her otherwise determined to continue the daring activity.
Background & Motivation
Bromage, a former nurse, first took up wingwalking at age 87. She has described the challenge as a way to avoid boredom, noting her inability to drive and limited vision. Her inspiration came from a hospital wall message urging immediate kindness, which she recalled verbatim. She plans to devise a special feat for her centenary.
Fundraising for Cheltenham General Hospital
All wingwalks have been undertaken to raise money for the stroke unit at Cheltenham General Hospital, the facility that cared for her after her illness. The donations are earmarked for equipment and other needs that will benefit patients and staff.
Official Statements & Responses
Imogen Sims, representing the Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals charity, praised Bromage’s effort, calling it “amazing” and emphasizing the positive impact of the contributions on hospital resources. Bromage herself said the hospital staff “treated me so well,” underscoring her gratitude and the personal connection that drives the fundraising.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It said 'we pass through this world but once, any good we can do, any kindness we can show, do it now, do not defer or neglected, you will not pass this way again',” — Betty Bromage
- “To take on such a daring challenge to support our team is amazing,” — Imogen Sims
- “Donations will be used for equipment and will make a real difference for patients and staff.” — Betty Bromage
