Nonagenarian sets oldest wing walk world record

Kris HollandNorthamptonshire
Guinness World Records Harry Heasman, in a red and black jump suit, is shown atop a red biplane. The plane's singular propeller engine is shown in motion on a grass landing strip at the airfield.Guinness World Records
Harry Heasman, who served in World War Two, was strapped to the top of a 1940s Boeing Stearman

A nonagenarian has become the oldest person to perform a wing walk, Guinness World Records said.

Harry Heasman, 98, completed his nine-minute wing walk at Duxford Airfield in Cambridgeshire on Saturday.

Heasman, who served in World War Two, took on the challenge on a Boeing Stearman biplane after compiling a bucket list with the manager of his care home in Chelmsford.

"It was the most incredible experience of my life and, if I could, I would do it all over again without a second thought," he said.

Heasman, originally from London, completed the wing walk in memory of his wife and son, who lost their lives to cancer. He has raised £7,500 for the Lennox Children's Cancer Fund charity.

Speaking after the flight, he said: "I feel 1,000 times different and 100 times better than I ever have.

"I have dreamed of doing this since I was a young child and to finally live that dream at 98 years old, and to be a Guinness World Record holder, is beyond anything I could have ever imagined."

Guinness World Records Harry Heasman, in a red and black jumpsuit and yellow T-shirt, poses with a man in a blue Guinness World Records branded blazer. The pair are holding up a framed certificate in recognition of Heasman's record. Behind them is the tail of a red plane.Guinness World Records
Harry Heasman (left) performed a nine-minute wing walk at Duxford Airfield

During the wing walk, Heasman's plane climbed to more than 1,000 metres (3,280ft).

Karolyn Sisto, the manager of Eastham Care Home, said: "Harry has shown the world that a care home can be a place where people thrive.

"He didn't just complete a wing walk, he changed what the world believes is possible at 98."

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