Betty Bromage, a 97-year-old grandmother from Cheltenham, has achieved a Guinness World Record as the oldest woman to complete a wing walk. This feat marks her sixth wing walk over the past decade, and she has broken her own previous record.
Bromage stated her motivation for continuing these daring activities is to avoid boredom, adding, "I'd just get bored of life otherwise." She also noted personal challenges, saying, "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." She humorously mentioned that getting onto the wing is the hardest part due to her height, but once airborne, it is not an issue, finding a fairground ride more daunting.
Her inspiration stems from a message she encountered on a hospital wall during her time working as a nurse. The quote read, "we pass through this world but once, any good we can do, any kindness we can show, do it now, do not defer or neglect, you will not pass this way again."
Bromage undertook this challenge to raise money for Cheltenham General Hospital, where she was treated after falling ill. She mentioned that a stroke she suffered in August of the previous year affected her speech, and she expressed gratitude for the excellent care she received from the hospital staff.
Imogen Sims, representing the Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals charity, conveyed the staff's appreciation for Bromage's fundraising efforts. "To take on such a daring challenge to support our team is amazing," Sims said. "Donations will be used for equipment and will make a real difference for patients and staff."
Bromage indicated that she is already considering what special activity she might undertake for her 100th birthday.