GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS (GWR), the global authority on record-breaking achievements, is delighted to confirm that Harry Heasman, aged 98 years, achieved the Oldest wing walk at Duxford Airfield, UK on Saturday, May 23.
Harry Heasman, born on May 30 1927, undertook this incredible challenge for the Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund in memory of his dear wife and son who both lost their lives to cancer.
The plane climbed to over 1000 meters and Harry’s Wing Walk lasted over 9 minutes – flying high over the gorgeous British countryside with him 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 the care home Manager, Karolyn Sisto asked him to write a bucket list – and when seeing his incredible ambition to fundraise for charity by a Wing Walk worked hard to make his dream come true.
His physio, Reef Cowell, Reeflex Mind and Motion, volunteered to get Harry fit and mobile, making steady progress over eleven months. Following his 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, 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 wingwalk, he changes what the world believes is possible at 98.”
Lindsey Bidwell, Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund said: “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 whilst 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 are inspirational. What an incredible privilege to award him this Guinness World Records title. A wonderful man that 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 in Eastham Care home in Chelmsford Essex. He served in WW2 and was deployed to Germany after the war.
Harry’s spirit, confidence and optimism along with the support of the care home manager Karolyn, wellbeing lead, Sam and physio Reef ensured he could smash this challenge!
Harry hopes to raise £5000 for Lennox Children’s Charity Fund. Donations can be made here.
