A woman who has just recently broken the world record for the longest fingernails has shared the heartbreaking story that inspired her to grow them out.
Diana Armstrong from Minnestota, USA has been growing out her nails for more than 25 years, with her longest nail – her right thumbnail – measuring 138.94cm.
The combined length of her fingernails as of March 2022 is 1,306.58cm - that's longer than a standard yellow school bus!
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Her nails have helped her smash two different world records: the longest fingernails on a pair of hands (female), and the longest fingernails on a pair of hands ever (female).
The last time Diana cut her nails was in 1997, but after tragedy struck her family, she vowed never to trim them again.
Recalling the devastating incident, Diana shared that she had been out at the grocery store when her youngest daughter rang her in a panic.
"At the store, my baby daughter called me and told me 'Ma, Tisha won’t wake up.'"
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Diana's daughter Latisha had died in her sleep from an asthma attack at just 16 years old.
"That was the worst day of my life", she said.
It was Latisha who used to polish and file Diana's nails every weekend.
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Although Diana's children tried their best to convince her to cut her nails over the years, they eventually changed their tune when she finally explained her reasoning.
Diana's daughter Rania said: "When she told us the back story, it kind of changed my feelings towards it.
"Because just as much as she missed my sister, I missed her too. So, if that’s her way of holding on to her, then I accept."
While she no longer cuts her nails, Diana still likes to keep them looking tidy, and commits hours to painting them.
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"I haven’t been to a nail salon in about 22 years. When they see me coming, they’d be like 'Oh no'," Diana laughed.
Now, the world record holder gets her grandchildren to help decorate them.
Diana's nails are so long, now, that there are many things she's had to give up.
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For example, she now has to use her feet to pick up clothes, but there are certain things, like loose change, that she simply has to leave on the floor if she drops it.
The grandmother has had to give up driving, and can't use zippers on clothes or bags anymore.
Commenting on her new double world record, Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday said: "The story behind her record is as fascinating as it is heartbreaking, and Diana's determination to honour her daughter's legacy in her unique way is inspiring.
"Family means everything for Diana, and she's lucky to have gathered around her a wonderful support network... which is what you need when each of your fingernails is longer than a ski pole!"
Ali Condon