Woman claws her way to world record

**Elvira** · August 18th, 2006, 02:02 PM

Woman claws her way to world record
by KATIE HAMPSON

13:32pm 18th August 2006

Juggling a hectic lifestyle back in 1979, Lee Redmond had little time for beauty treatments.

So she decided to cut corners and stop filing her nails.

Now, 27 years and 33 inches later, the Salt Lake City resident holds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest fingernails.

See incredible video footage of Lee and other quirky nail fans doing the housework and talking about their unusual features at the bottom of the page.

Astonishingly, she claims it does not hamper her efforts to cook, clean and look after her husband.

But the extraordinarily long fingernails are a sight so bizarre, many feel they have to look away - and even Mrs Redmond admits her unsightly nails terrify children.

She says her philosophy that "you are what you eat" has influenced their rapid growth.

She eats a high-protein diet, which is what hair and nails are mostly made of. She used to soak them in warm olive oil once a week, but now she no longer has time, and her nails are too long to fit in the fry pan.

"It's strange how they become you," she said.

"It's almost like it's your identity. It'll probably be a trauma after 27 years to cut them off."

Redmond flies to London on September 26th to promote the Guinness Book of World Records.

And it seems her awkward nails bring at least some perks.

"They're flying me first class to give me room with my fingernails," she laughs.

But putting on a heavy coat in winter is not easy.

And the difficulties don't stop there. Going to the grocery store and even opening doors pose an enormous challenge, but she's able to undertake other normal daily tasks, such as vacuuming, cooking, cleaning and taking care of her husband, who has Alzheimer's disease.

"I think everything's a challenge," she said. "But I've found a way to do (things) in my own way."

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/liv...n_page_id=1770

Link to the video mentioned in the article
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48koUy0SVwg

**Sojiita** · August 18th, 2006, 02:51 PM

I needed a good fun harmless freak-show story like this.

**Elise** · August 19th, 2006, 12:14 PM

That is disgusting. What is wrong w/ people?

**heart_leigh** · August 19th, 2006, 01:12 PM

Going to the grocery store and even opening doors pose an enormous challenge, but she's able to undertake other normal daily tasks, such as vacuuming, cooking, cleaning and taking care of her husband, who has Alzheimer's disease

Not to sound gross, but I wonder how she wipes herself after a bowel movement? I can't imagine anyone else doing that for her.