A 99-year-old woman has earned the title of the world’s oldest wing-walker, just three months after another elderly woman accomplished the same feat. Helga Duffy was encouraged by staff at her assisted-living home to try wing-walking after her niece saw a news report about 97-year-old Betty Bromage, who previously held the record. Recently, Guinness World Records officially recognized Helga’s achievement at Rendcomb Airfield in Gloucestershire, England.
Helga was strapped to the top of a small plane for her flight. She initially didn’t know much about wing-walking but decided it was something she wanted to experience since she felt it might be her last chance to do something adventurous. Despite worries about climbing onto the plane because of her arthritis and a painful knee, Helga managed to stay in the air for over five minutes, dressed in special gear.
She described the feeling of flying as unlike anything else she had experienced before. While in the air, she took deep breaths and was surprised by how fresh the air felt. Helga felt secure being strapped in and, after landing, she was presented with a certificate from Guinness World Records by an official named Will Munford.
Her niece, Jackie Rose, expressed admiration for Helga, especially knowing how difficult it was for her because of her knee pain. Jackie had learned about wing-walking from the news and believed Helga could do it, emphasizing that age should not limit one’s enjoyment of life. Helga’s record certificate is now displayed at her care facility as a reminder that age is just a number.
Helga also raised over £1,600 (around $2,000) for the local Air Ambulance charity through her wing-walking activity. She encourages others to try new things and not to say they can’t do something until they have attempted it. Betty, the previous record holder, congratulated Helga on her achievement and joked about looking forward to turning 100 and possibly breaking the record again. Jackie shared that she wanted to show that even at 99, Helga is still the vibrant person she has always been.
What do you think about Helga’s inspiring accomplishment?
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Source: Good News Network, by Good News Network