97-Year-Old Retired Nurse Sets New Wing-Walking Record

A 97-year-old retired nurse has become the oldest person to complete a loop-the-loop while wing walking, setting a new record during a charity fundraising challenge in Gloucestershire.

Betty Bromage took to the skies from an airfield near Cirencester on 4 August, aged 97 years and 123 days, completing the daring stunt while raising money for Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity.

The achievement also saw Ms Bromage reclaim the record for the oldest wing walker, which she had previously set at the age of 93 years and 145 days in 2022.

Ms Bromage is no stranger to wing walking and has completed the unusual challenge several times over the years to raise money for charities.

Her latest stunt combined wing walking with a loop-the-loop, making her achievement particularly notable given her age.

The retired nurse decided to take up wing walking after moving into shelter accommodation at the age of 87.

She said the experience helped give her a new sense of purpose and encouraged her to challenge herself in ways she had never previously considered.

Despite being in her nineties, Ms Bromage has continued to return to the skies to support charitable causes.

Ms Bromage said her family initially needed considerable convincing before supporting her unusual hobby.

“They think I’m mad!” she said, explaining that it took time to persuade her son and daughter-in-law to accept her decision to take part in wing walking.

She said they have since supported her throughout her adventures and encouraged her charitable work.

Her latest challenge raised funds for Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity, adding a fundraising purpose to the record attempt.

Ms Bromage's attitude towards ageing remains characteristically determined.

Speaking about the possibility of reaching 100, she said: “People say you’ll be here until 100. I don’t want to be here until 100, but if I am, I’ll be here doing another wing walk.”

Her achievement demonstrates how she has continued to pursue adventurous challenges well beyond the age when many people might consider slowing down.

From taking up wing walking in her late eighties to setting records in her nineties, Ms Bromage has turned an unusual hobby into a way of supporting charitable causes.