When air balloon pilot Jo Bailey learned that she would need ileostomy surgery last summer after developing a twisted bowel, she assumed it would be the end of her thrill-seeking lifestyle.

Having recently sold her established ballooning business, near Bristol, Jo said: “For the last year, I genuinely believed that the woman who flew those balloons had disappeared. At one point I thought I’d never get home, let alone return to the world of ballooning.”

While stoma surgery initially knocked Jo’s strength and confidence, it didn’t diminish her spirit of adventure, and she decided to undertake a record-breaking challenge to remind herself of what she could still achieve: “Before all of this, flying a ‘hopper balloon’ (with a seat instead of a passenger basket) would have felt easy, but now it’s a genuine challenge,” she said. “I still get tired very easily and flying even a small balloon takes a huge amount of concentration.”

To make it official, Jo worked with Guinness World Records who set her a target of 30 ascents of over 10ft, landing with both feet on the ground, within an hour. It was going to be tough: Jo had five practice sessions before the day of the challenge but hadn’t managed to complete a whole hour as she got too tired.

Official record breaker

On 7 August at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Jo achieved her goal – and on 26 August was officially named the new Guinness World Records champion, having completed the highest number of tethered hopper balloon ascents in one hour.

She recalled: “On the day itself, I paused at about 30 minutes and had a little cry! Clive, my husband, came over and gave me a drink and three wine gums. My team around me were very encouraging. I couldn’t believe when I reached 68 ascents! If one person sees this and feels a little less afraid, a little more confident or a little more able to say yes to life again, then it will be worth every ascent.”

Through her record-breaking efforts, Jo has raised funds for the ICU Pathways course at Southmead Hospital through Bristol & Weston Hospitals charity, official charity partner of Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. Donations will help more patients access support as they recover from critical illness and adjust to life beyond intensive care.

Jo’s achievement is a message of hope for others facing uncertain futures after serious illness.

“This isn’t about the record,” she said. “It’s about every person sitting or lying in a hospital bed right now, convinced that the life they loved is over. But the sky is still there, and this record proves it. Life can still be adventurous, fun and full of possibilities.

“I think it’s very good to set challenges and gently push yourself out of your comfort zone particularly after this life-changing surgery. I have found meditating, walking, friends and affirmation songs a great help, along with my husband who has been my rock.”

 

Visit our Stories page for more inspiring personal accounts from people who have undergone life-changing ileostomy surgery. If you are facing stoma or internal pouch surgery, IA is here to help.