Balloon Pilot Sets World Record After Life-Saving Surgery

Just months after spending two months in intensive care fighting for her life, 65-year-old Jo Bailey is climbing back into a hot air balloon to break a world record.

Bailey, a Bristol balloon pilot with over 30 years of experience, nearly died in 2025 when doctors discovered she had a twisted bowel. Emergency surgery removed parts of her bowel, leaving her with a permanent stoma bag.

But the surgery was only the beginning. While recovering in the hospital, Bailey developed sepsis, a life-threatening infection that sent her immune system into overdrive. She suffered hallucinations so severe she thought she might not survive.

"One night I remember being in ICU and thinking I'm not able to get through this," Bailey said. "I felt my whole life force slipping away."

Now, she's preparing to attempt the world record for most tethered hopping balloon ascents in one hour at Bristol's International Balloon Fiesta. The challenge involves going up and down in a small single-person hot air balloon as many times as possible while secured by ropes.

Bailey is using the record attempt to raise funds for the medical teams who saved her life. Money will go to Crohn's & Colitis UK and the Intensive Care Units at Southmead Hospital and Weston Hospitals Charity.

When her stomach pains first started, Bailey feared bowel cancer, the same disease that killed her mother. The diagnosis of a twisted bowel came as both a relief and the start of a grueling medical journey.

Why This Inspires

Bailey's return to ballooning shows the resilience of the human spirit. After facing death multiple times and undergoing life-changing surgery, she could have stepped away from the skies forever. Instead, she's using her passion to give back to those who saved her.

Her message resonates beyond the ballooning community. Thousands of people undergo stoma surgeries each year, often feeling their adventurous days are behind them. Bailey is proving otherwise.

"This challenge isn't really about records," Bailey explained. "It's about showing people that life doesn't end after major surgery. It can still be adventurous."

Her husband Clive, also a balloon pilot, will be supporting her during the attempt. Together, they're demonstrating that medical challenges don't have to ground your dreams.

Bailey admits she's nervous about the attempt, but her determination outweighs her fear. She's transforming her trauma into something meaningful for others facing similar battles.

Life after major surgery can still soar.