At 98 years old, Harry Heasman has become the world’s oldest wing walker, completing a daring stunt atop a vintage biplane above the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, Cambridgeshire. The record-setting flight took place recently as part of a charity event supporting the Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund.

Heasman, who will soon celebrate his 99th birthday, was secured to the top of a 1940s biplane piloted by Martyn Carrington. Prior to the flight, the pensioner underwent exercises and physiotherapy to prepare for the physical demands of the stunt. Despite previously struggling with mobility issues, Heasman pursued the challenge, which was arranged through his care home.

The former aircraft maker, who worked on Mosquito bombers during World War II, explained that his interest in wing walking stemmed from childhood memories. “When I went to the cinema as a boy, I used to see what they called an American flying circus,” he said. “And I thought, ‘Oh, that looks interesting. I’d love to do that.’”

The event had a personal resonance for Heasman, who lost his wife and stepson to cancer. His participation aimed to raise funds for cancer research affecting children. Karolyn Sisto, manager of Eastham care home in Essex where Heasman resides, emphasized the team’s commitment to ensuring his safety throughout the process. “We did everything we could to support Harry to do this in a safe way,” she stated.

Following this remarkable achievement, Heasman has set his sights on another challenge: running the London Marathon.