Betty, 97, breaks record for oldest wingwalker

A 97-year-old woman who suffered a stroke in 2025 has broken the Guinness World Record for being the oldest female wing walker.

Betty Bromage, who lives in Cheltenham, broke her own record which was set when she did the same challenge four years ago.

Bromage raised funds for the stroke unit at Cheltenham General Hospital – where staff cared for her when she was sick.

Speaking about having done six wing walks since the age of 87, she said: "I'd just get bored of life otherwise. I can't drive, I can't see very well and I get a bit frustrated. So, I want to do the things I can do."

In August last year, Bromage had a stroke, which still affects her speech.

"They [the hospital] treated me so well. It affects my words but the rest of me is fine," she said.

She added she raises money for charity because it can make a difference - and because she was inspired by some words she read on a hospital wall where she worked as a nurse.

"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'," Bromage said.

Imogen Sims from Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals charity said staff were grateful Bromage is raising money for them.

"To take on such a daring challenge to support our team is amazing," Sims added.

"Donations will be used for equipment and will make a real difference for patients and staff."

Bromage added: "The only problem is getting up on the wing because I'm quite short. Once you're up there, no problem. The fairground is a lot worse.

"I'll have to think of something when I'm 100 - something special."

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