Tom Lackey – No Ordinary Grandad!

Not content with entering the Guinness Book of World Records at the age of 85 as the oldest person on top of an aircraft that looped the loop, widower Tom Lackey, now 93 has broken his own record by becoming the world’s oldest wing walker.

Strapped to the plane’s wing, it took the dare-devil granddad just one hour and 21 minutes to cross the Irish Sea this morning. The former builder from the West Midlands was tied to the top of a 1943 Boeing Stearman biplane which flew at around 1,000ft from Castle Kennedy, near Stranraer, in Scotland to Londonderry. Tom completed his first wing walk 13 years ago after the death of his wife, Isobel who had served in the Royal Air Force. But this latest feat was the most challenging yet, he said. Since his wife’s death Mr Lackey, who was greeted by his daughter and granddaughter in Derry, has raised more than £1m for charity.

It just goes to show that you’re never too old to try something daring! If you’re thinking of such dizzy heights and want the security of insurance, call 0800 1313 417 or view the full list of activities we cover.