Balloon pilot sets record year on from surgery

2 hours ago

News image — Jo Bailey had parts of her bowel removed in 2025, resulting in a stoma

BBC Jo Bailey is pictured in a seat attached to a hot air balloon, against a cloudless blue sky. The balloon is red, blue and white; Bailey has dark hair and wears a light blue top, black trousers and brown boots. — Jo Bailey had parts of her bowel removed in 2025, resulting in a stoma

A hot air balloon pilot who survived a life-threatening twisted bowel has set a Guinness World Record at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

Jo Bailey, 65, completed 68 tethered hopper balloon ascents at Ashton Court Estate on 7 August, breaking the record set by Guinness of 30.

Bailey completed the challenge a year after undergoing several surgeries that left her with a permanent ileostomy - a type of stoma.

She said the attempt was "never really about the record" but was about showing people "life doesn't end after major surgery".

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Bailey, who used to own and run Bailey Balloons in Bristol alongside husband Clive, was diagnosed with a twisted bowel in 2025 after suffering from chronic stomach pain.

Doctors had to remove parts of her bowel and she spent two months in hospital, also suffering a bout of sepsis.

She was fitted with a stoma which she nicknamed Paloma, prompting her to name her challenge Paloma's Big Lift Off.

Jo Bailey, wearing black leggings and a purple t-shirt, standing in a field in front of a large deflating hot air balloon, which is gold, white, red and blue. She is holding a framed award. — Bailey said the record was dedicated to people struggling "mentally and physically"

Bailey set out to raise money for the charities which saved her life, Crohn's & Colitis UK, and the Intensive Care Unit at Southmead and Weston Hospitals charity.

She described the achievement as a "very proud moment", stressing it was about raising awareness for "people struggling with hidden disabilities and illnesses".

"This is for you - the people with stomas, the people with cancer, people who are struggling physically and mentally.

"Let's get out there, try and challenge ourselves, and do some good."

A balding man wearing a navy blue t-shirt sits beside a dark-haired woman wearing a light blue sweater. They're sitting on chairs on the grass in front of a deflating hot air balloon. There are green trees in the background. — Jo Bailey, and her husband Clive, have been balloon pilots for more than 30 years

Bailey, a balloon pilot with 30 years of experience, said she wanted to encourage others to believe they were still capable of adventure after illness, surgery, trauma or disability.

"I nearly lost my life several times during my illness," she said.

"There were moments when I wasn't sure I'd ever get home, let alone return to the world of ballooning.

"To complete 68 ascents in an hour and now have Guinness World Records officially recognise me as a world record holder is absolutely incredible."

Bailey celebrated her successful Guinness World Record with a sunrise balloon flight around Ashton Court Estate.