We are incredibly proud and honoured that 98-year-old Harry Heasman chose to support Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund through his extraordinary Guinness World Record wing walk challenge.
Born on 30 May 1927, Harry took on the once-in-a-lifetime challenge in memory of his beloved wife and son, who both sadly lost their lives to cancer, whilst raising vital funds to help children and families facing childhood cancer.
Flying high above the British countryside in glorious sunshine, Harry stood on the wings of a plane at 1,000 metres for around nine unforgettable minutes, officially becoming the world’s oldest wing walker.
After completing the challenge, 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.”
Harry’s incredible journey began when Eastham Care Home Manager, Karolyn Sisto, encouraged him to create a bucket list. When she discovered his ambition to complete a wing walk whilst fundraising for charity, she was determined to help make that dream a reality.
Alongside Karolyn, physiotherapist Reef Cowell from Reeflex Mind and Motion volunteered his time over eleven months to help Harry regain strength, mobility and confidence ahead of the challenge. Together, their encouragement, dedication and belief in Harry helped him become strong and mobile enough to achieve something truly extraordinary at 98 years old.
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 Sisto from Eastham Care Home added: “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.”
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 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 at Eastham Care Home in Chelmsford, Essex. He served during World War II and was deployed to Germany after the war.
Harry’s determination, optimism and spirit, alongside the unwavering support of Karolyn, Reef and the wider Eastham Care Home team, helped make this remarkable achievement possible.
Lindsey Bidwell from 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, we have had the privilege of getting to know Harry and seeing the determination behind this challenge. The fact he chose to do this whilst raising money to help children with cancer makes it even more special.
Harry truly is a national treasure and our team, along with the families he is helping, will be forever grateful.”
Harry hopes to raise £5,000 for Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund to help support children and families facing childhood cancer.
If you would like to support Harry’s fundraising, donations can be made here: Harry’s World Record Wing Walk at 98! – JustGiving
