A daredevil woman has become the world’s oldest wing walker at the grand old age of 99 after watching another pensioner take to the skies.
Helga Duffy was inspired to give the death-defying stunt a go after seeing 97-year-old Betty Bromage doing it on the news.
And the thrill-seeking nonagenarian was strapped to the top of a small plane for the incredible flight – insisting she was too excited to be scared.
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Helga, who now lives in a care home in Devizes, Wiltshire, completed the record-breaking stunt at RFC Rendcomb Airfield in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, as reported by What’s The Jam?
She said: “I wasn’t frightened because I was so excited.”
The 99-year-old described the sensation of flying through the air as “peculiar”.
But the adrenaline rush was for a good cause too, with Helga raising more than £1,300 for Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance.
The eldest of seven children, she reckons her late dad would have been bursting with pride at her achievement.
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She said: “He expected the best of us.
“So I always tried.
“I think if he’s still there somewhere, he’d be very proud of his firstborn.”
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Guinness World Records officials presented Helga with a certificate at the airfield.
Her nieces Jackie Rose and Julie Preece watched on as their fearless aunt took to the skies, describing her as an “independent” and “forthright lady”.
Jackie said: “She’s wanted to do something different for so long.
“She just wanted to prove that even though she’s 99, she’s still that lady she was years and years ago.”
The fundraiser was especially close to the family’s hearts, as their mother made her final journey in an air ambulance.
Sam Conway, from the charity, hailed Helga a legend.
She added: “She looks as though she’s had the time of her life.”
But Helga may not hold on to her record for long.
Betty Bromage, 97, whose achievement inspired the stunt, congratulated her rival – before cheekily vowing to snatch the title back.
Betty, who has already completed six wing walks, said: “I can’t wait until I’m 100 and I can do it again; I’ll beat you again.
“I really enjoy doing it – it’s a bit frightening at first, isn’t it?
“Just the apprehension of it.”
An AeroSuperBatics spokesperson said: “Helga Duffy, the new wingwalking World Record Holder, is an inspirational woman.
“And we were very proud to be able to fly her.”
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