Guinness World Record: Oldest Wing Walker
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS (GWR) has confirmed that Harry Heasman, aged 98, has achieved the title of Oldest Wing Walk at Duxford Airfield, UK. Born on May 30, 1927, Harry undertook this incredible challenge for the Lennox Children's Cancer Fund in memory of his wife and son, who both lost their lives to cancer.
The plane climbed to over 1,000 metres, and Harry's wing walk lasted more than nine minutes, flying high over the beautiful British countryside while strapped to the wings. After the flight, Harry said: "I feel 1,000 times different and 100 times better than I ever have. It was the most incredible experience of my life, and if I could, I would do it all over again without a second thought. 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."
The daring idea came when care home manager Karolyn Sisto asked him to write a bucket list. Seeing his incredible ambition to fundraise for charity through a wing walk, she worked hard to make his dream come true. His physio, Reef Cowell of Reeflex Mind and Motion, volunteered to get Harry fit and mobile, making steady progress over 11 months. Following the wing walk, Reef said: "It is an amazing achievement to go from being unable to rise from a chair unaided to climbing upon the wing of a plane! I am so very proud of him."
Karolyn, from Eastham Care Home, said: "Harry has shown the world that a care home can be a place where people thrive. Today he didn't just complete a wing walk, he changed what the world believes is possible at 98." Lindsey Bidwell, from Lennox Children's Cancer Fund, added: "Harry is proof that it is never too late to chase a dream. At 98 years old, what he has achieved is nothing short of extraordinary. Over the last few months, I've had the privilege of getting to know him and seeing the determination behind this challenge. To do this while raising money to help children with cancer makes it even more special. Harry truly is a national treasure, and our team and the families he is raising money for will be forever grateful."
Guinness World Records Adjudicator Prav Patel said: "Harry's determination to get fit and up on the wings of the plane is inspirational. What an incredible privilege to award him this Guinness World Records title. A wonderful man who embodies the spirit of record-breaking and proves that everyone can be part of record-breaking history – no matter your age. Well done Harry, you are Officially Amazing!"
Originally from London, Harry now lives at Eastham Care Home in Chelmsford, Essex. He served in the Second World War and was deployed to Germany after the war. Harry's spirit, confidence, and optimism, along with the support of care home manager Karolyn, wellbeing lead Sam, and physio Reef, ensured he could smash this challenge. Harry hopes to raise £5,000 for Lennox Children's Charity Fund. Donations can be made at justgiving.com/campaign/highflyingharry.
