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“At 90 people don’t expect you to be doing much, but not me. I’ve got a lot of life left in me and I want to keep trying new things.”
Meet Betty Bromage, one of our most fearless residents at Abbeyfield House in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. To celebrate her 90th birthday, Betty decided to sign up for her fourth wing walk
On Tuesday 9th April, Betty climbed up onto the top wing of a plane and flew miles above the Cirencester countryside to raise money for a new summer house at Abbeyfield Gloucestershire. Complete with coloured smoke, Betty wowed spectators and came back down to earth asking if she could go up again.
Joined by many of her friends, family and fellow residents, Betty’s smile warmed up the otherwise grey, chilly day.
“The other residents think I’m a bit mad but they’re all incredibly supportive. They’ve been to watch my other wing walks and helped with fundraising too”.
Speaking of her wing walk Betty said, “It’s exhilarating to be up there with the wind in my face, hitting speeds of 140mph. The wind blows your cheeks in and out…you never know, I might come back down without any wrinkles.
“The pilot makes sure everything is secure and safe before take off and then you spend 15 minutes above the ground, free. It feels a bit strange watching the propellers, and you do feel a long way from earth but I love it.
“My family are always worried when I tell them I’m doing another flight and they’re always pleased to hear it’s gone well. I think they’re proud of what I’m doing. I’m changing the stereotype of older people and having a lot of fun whilst doing it!”
To continue her 90th birthday celebrations, Betty will be taking on Europe’s fastest zip-wire and an abseil. You can donate to her fundraising page here.