Betty Bromage, a remarkable grandmother from Cheltenham, has completed her sixth wing walk at the impressive age of 97, once again breaking her own Guinness World Record as the oldest female wing walker in the world.
Her latest breathtaking flight, which included aerobatic stunts such as a barrel roll and a loop at speeds reaching 150mph at 3,000 feet, was not just a personal achievement but also a fundraising effort for the stroke unit at Cheltenham General Hospital.
The event was organised by local aerobatic specialists AeroSuperBatics and took place at RFC Rendcomb Airfield in Cirencester. Family, friends, supporters, and members of the press gathered to witness this extraordinary accomplishment.
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Betty first embraced wing walking at the age of 87 after moving into a Pegasus Homes retirement community in Cheltenham and deciding to pursue new experiences. Since then, she has become an unlikely champion for fundraising, supporting causes close to her heart, including Sue Ryder and initiatives dedicated to the elderly.
In 2022, at 93, she earned the Guinness World Record as the oldest female wing walker. This year’s flight held particular significance as Betty chose to support the Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity, especially the stroke unit at Cheltenham General Hospital, which cared for her following a stroke in 2025.
Despite living with limited mobility and vision problems, Betty remains determined to show that age and physical challenges should not limit ambition or adventure.
Reflecting on her achievement, Betty said, “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 continued adventurous spirit extends beyond wing walking; her recent activities include aerobatics, zip-lining, and abseiling - all of which have captured national attention and challenged perceptions about ageing.
At 97, she exemplifies bravery, adventure, and community spirit, proving these qualities know no age limits.
Imogen Sims, community fundraiser at Cheltenham and Gloucester hospitals, said, “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. Everyone on the Stroke Team was wishing her the very best, and thanks to her incredible challenge, patients will benefit for years to come. We cannot thank Betty enough for supporting our local NHS hospitals.”
Steve Bangs, chief executive of Pegasus Homes, where Betty lives, added, “Over the past decade, we’ve watched Betty’s adventures with admiration and amazement. She has proven that age is no barrier to courage or ambition. Seeing her take to the skies again at 97 and extend her world record is simply remarkable. Betty is an extraordinary advocate for ageing without limits, inspiring others to rethink what’s possible in later life and focus on adding life to years, not just years to life.”
David Barrell, lead display pilot at AeroSuperBatics and pilot of Betty’s recent flight, reflected, “Betty is a true inspiration. Her determination and adventurous spirit prove that age is no barrier to extraordinary experiences. It’s been a privilege to welcome her back, and our entire team is honoured to be part of her journey.”
To support Betty’s fundraising efforts for the Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity, which benefits the stroke unit at Cheltenham General Hospital, donations can be made online.