Helga Duffy has become the world's oldest wing-walker at 99, earning recognition from Guinness World Records after a flight at Rendcomb Airfield in Gloucestershire, England. Secured to the top of a small aircraft, she remained airborne for more than five minutes. Her achievement came just three months after 97-year-old Betty Bromage claimed the title. The flight also raised more than £1,600, approximately $2,000, for a regional air ambulance charity.
The idea took shape after Duffy's niece, Jackie Rose, saw news coverage of Bromage's achievement and recognized that her aunt might attempt it too. Staff at Duffy's assisted-living facility encouraged her as well. Although initially unfamiliar with wing-walking, Duffy was determined to experience something different. Arthritis and a troublesome right knee made boarding the aircraft a concern, but she reported feeling very safe once firmly strapped in. Wearing special clothing, she described an unfamiliar sensation and recalled taking three deep breaths when the aircraft reached an altitude of 1,000 meters.
On landing, Duffy received an official certificate from Guinness World Records adjudicator Will Munford. It is now displayed at her care facility. Rose described the applause that greeted her aunt and expressed admiration, knowing how painful the experience had been for Duffy's knee. Duffy, who spent most of her working life as a nurse, encouraged others to try rather than assume they could not succeed. Bromage congratulated the new record-holder, joking that she looked forward to turning 100 and reclaiming the title.
