Helga Duffy, 99, has become the world's oldest wing-walker after being strapped to the top of a small plane at RFC Rendcomb Airfield in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. The feat was completed just three months after the previous record was set by a 97-year-old, and she was presented with a certificate by officials from Guinness World Records at the airfield.
Helga, who is about to turn 100, was urged to give it a go by staff at her care home in Devizes, Wiltshire. She was determined to attempt the challenge after watching the previous record holder Betty Bromage doing the same thing on the news. She also raised over £1,600 for the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance charity.
Determination despite setbacks
Helga said: "I thought this was the last time I can do something different. One of our night supervisors suggested this wing walk. I had no idea what it was." Her first attempt had to be cancelled a few weeks ago due to engineering difficulties with the aircraft, but she was determined to do it.
She described the experience: "It was a very different sensation than I've ever had. I thought to myself, 'come one now'." She added: "Once we did the round and we were up a thousand metres, I took three deep breaths and the air up there is so pure you wouldn't believe it. I felt so good then and afterwards. I thought, 'is this like if you take drugs?'. I'm sure it is."
Safety and support
Helga, who spent most of her life working as a nurse, was in the air for eight minutes, despite initial concerns about getting on the plane due to her osteoarthritis and bad right knee. She said: "I was strapped in very tight. I had special clothing provided. I felt safe. I thought, well, here I am. That's the last thing perhaps before I die, or before I get to a hundred."
Her niece, Jackie Rose, had seen reports about the previous record holder and realised it was possible for Helga. Jackie said: "It was a wonderful atmosphere. I had so much admiration for her because I knew how painful it was on her knee. Everybody was clapping. It was so nice just to see, actually, age is irrelevant. It's just lovely to see somebody doing something they enjoy."
Record recognised
Will Munford, Guinness World Records Adjudicator, presented Helga with her official certificate when she touched down after the flight. The certificate is being displayed in the care home as a reminder that age is just a number. Helga said: "Try anything. Don't ever say, I can't do anything. You can't see until you've tried. It's my motto."
Betty, who broke the record at 97 years old in August, congratulated Helga on her success, joking that she was excited to turn 100 to beat the new record.
