Centenarian’s delight as she is allowed to fly plane to celebrate birthday
Win Rushman celebrated her 100th birthday this year by flying for 30 minutes around Blackbushe Airport, near Sandhurst
A care home resident who celebrated her 100th birthday by flying a plane “could not believe” she was actually allowed to take the controls.
Win Rushman celebrated her 100th birthday on July 12 this year by flying for 30 minutes around Blackbushe Airport, near Sandhurst, Berkshire, but thought her pilot was joking when she first took control.
Mrs Rushman, who was born in London and grew up in a Barnardo’s children’s home, took control after take-off and flew over some lavender fields as well as her care home, Dashwood Manor in Basingstoke, Hampshire.
The first-time pilot told the Press Association: “I found it hilarious that this was something accessible to me.
“I know I am turning 100, but I don’t feel it. I don’t expect many 100-year-olds to be flying a plane"
“I was looking over the side where the lever is, and the pilot was on the other side. I just inquisitively pressed it, and the plane went down and the pilot said to me, ‘you’re flying the plane’, and that was that.
“The day was absolutely gorgeous. I couldn’t believe I was able to fly myself. There was so much to see.
“I could see the lavender fields; it was truly beautiful. I’ve got some lovely photos.”
Mrs Rushman is no stranger to flying, having travelled the world with her late husband, Dennis, who was a quartermaster sergeant in the military, but had never flown a plane before.
The pair lived in Basingstoke with their three children: Janet, Peter and Pam, and made trips to countries such as Singapore and Malaysia.
She spent time with her children on her actual birthday, having made the celebratory flight with pilot Paul Mansfield and a carer from Care UK a few days before.
When asked for her secret to a long and happy life, Mrs Rushman said: “Life is too short to be judging people – use the time to do something else.”
Between her journeys abroad, she volunteered “helping elderly people”, and moved into Care UK’s Dashwood Manor this year.
Despite enjoying the flight, given to her as a present through Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, Mrs Rushman insisted this would be her last stunt.
She said: “I wouldn’t parachute, I’d be frightened. I’ve done most things, lived a long life.”
Miranda Morgan, home manager at Dashwood Manor, said: “Win absolutely loved her flying session.
“She is always sharing fond memories of her travels and adventurous life, so when she told us she was interested in getting in the cockpit, the team knew they had to make it happen.”