AN 89-year-old grandmother celebrated her birthday by taking to the sky to raise money for charity.

Betty Bromage is the UK's oldest female wing walker after her attempt at Gloucestershire Airport, Staverton in March saw her raise £3,300 for Sue Ryder - Leckhampton Court Hospice.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Betty raised £3,300 for the hospice. Credit: Bob Fryer. 

The money Betty has raised is enough to pay for 183 hours of care for the hospice. It's a cause close to Betty's heart after she lost her sister Cathleen to cancer and her sister in law Margaret, who received care from the Cheltenham based hospice.

Betty, from Cheltenham has now done three wing walks. The second made her the oldest female wing walker in the UK and her latest flight could yet be a world record but she is still awaiting confirmation but was delighted to have completed her third wing walk and raise so much money.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

The wing walk was Betty's third. Credit: Bob Fryer 

"I first took to the skies three years ago," she said. "I was spurred on by the little daredevil in me and my desire to do something out of the ordinary to raise funds for local charities.

"It's a great thrill being up there and I just want to prove that you're never too old to do these things. Records were made to be broken.

"Sue Ryder and the care they give means so much to me, so I wanted to raise funds for them with my third wing walk. I have amazing support and I can't thank my pilot, Mike Denith, enough for all his help and very kind offer to do the flight for free so all the funds donated will go straight to the hospice."

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Betty is hoping her attempt has broken the world record. Credit: Bob Fryer 

Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, Kelly Rumble added: "Everyone at the hospice is in absolute awe of Betty and her pure grit and determination.

"Betty is an inspiration and everyone at the hospice is eagerly following her story and keeping their fingers crossed she will be rewarded by making it into the record books."

Video Credit: Sue Ryder - Leckhampton Court Hospice