Ellen le Roux had always wondered what it would feel like to float high above the world in a hot air balloon, free from everyday worries. For her 99th birthday, her family helped her find out, joining her for a flight over the NSW Hunter Valley.

The great-grandmother of eight reached heights of up to 2,000 feet as the balloon travelled above farmland and vineyards, ticking off a long-held wish with nine members of her family alongside her.

With that adventure behind her, Ellen is already thinking about how she might celebrate turning 100. A helicopter ride is on her list, and a few nerves would not be enough to put her off.

Her balloon flight began with a conversation about birthday plans. Her son Bruce and his wife Karen were organising a party, but her grandchildren wanted to know what she would really like.

“I knew that my son Bruce and his wife Karen were planning a party for my 99th birthday, but when my grandchildren asked what I would really like, I told them I had always wondered what it would be like to float high above the world in a hot air balloon, free from every day cares and worries,” Ellen says.

Her granddaughter Lauren organised the flight as a surprise birthday celebration, and on February 15 the family launched from Bishop’s Bridge, a small rural locality in the Hunter Valley.

Among those sharing the experience was Bruce, giving Ellen the chance to enjoy the adventure with several generations of her family.

For Ellen, the strongest memory is the feeling as they rose above the landscape, leaving the concerns of life on the ground behind them for a while.

“What I remember most vividly is the sense of freedom as the balloon rose higher. I was excited to be up there, away from the concerns of everyday life,” she says.

“That feeling of freedom was exactly what I had imagined and what I enjoyed most.”

Balloon Aloft pilot Matt Scaife says Ellen is the oldest passenger he has ever taken up. He remembers her excitement before the flight and the moment they began travelling above the vineyards.

“Ellen was excited when she arrived for her flight. I’m sure she was a little nervous too but as soon as we launched and began flying over the vineyards, her face lit up,” Matt says.

Her adventurous spirit was what stood out most to him.

“Ellen told me she had always wanted to fly in a hot air balloon and like many people it was on her bucket list of things she wanted to do. It was so wonderful to be able to share the flight with her and the rest of her family.”

Ellen’s willingness to try something new extends beyond a special birthday outing. She says it became more important to her after retirement, when she wanted to keep being active and open to whatever came next.

“I wanted to remain active and embrace each new challenge as it arose, without letting my age hold me back,” she says.

These days, her week includes a routine that keeps her busy and gives her plenty of opportunities to see other people. She recently joined a gym, where she spends about an hour each day with her daughter-in-law.

Although they go together, they each follow their own exercise routine. Afterwards, Ellen usually has a coffee and often runs into someone she knows for a chat.
“Being active, getting out and about, and connecting with people bring me the most joy,” she says.

She also belongs to the VIEW Club, which meets monthly, and enjoys spending time with the other women there. Reading, knitting for her great-grandchildren and keeping in touch with family in South Africa and the UK through social media, email and WhatsApp are also part of her life.

For older people wondering whether a balloon flight might be possible for them, Matt says Balloon Aloft has no upper age limit. Passengers in its standard balloons should be able to stand unassisted for the full hour of the flight.

Ellen flew in the company’s accessible balloon, which caters for passengers who cannot stand for the flight or climb into and out of the basket. A door in the side provides easier access, while customised seating accommodates up to four seated passengers. There are also safety harnesses for up to two passengers.

Ellen’s next birthday wish would give her another way to see the world from above.

“A helicopter ride would be a completely new experience for me. I might feel nervous, but I would still do it,” she says.

“I would tell anyone who thinks they are too old to try something new that age is just a number. If you are healthy and able, you should embrace the opportunity.”