A mum who ran the London Marathon dressed as a double helix, has set a new Guinness world record.
Marie Evans, of Gedling, wanted to take on the world-famous marathon to spread her message, 'it's just DNA', after her son Gabriel, was born with Downs syndrome.
To symbolise various genetic conditions, Mrs Evans entered the race dressed as a double-stranded DNA molecule known as a double helix.
The inspiration came after seeing a man had previously set a world record for running the London Marathon as a double helix. But no woman had attempted it.
Mrs Evans said: "With my son having Downs syndrome, I wanted to spread the message that 'it's just DNA'.
"We're all born different, and it's what makes us unique."
Downs syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by an extra chromosome in a baby's cells.
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It can affect levels of learning and development, as well as health conditions, but it varies between children.
Mrs Evans, who is also mum to James, aged one, said Gabriel, now four, "has so much energy for life."
The assistant head teacher added: "He loves running as well as clapping and cheering for runners during a race.
"Even if he sees a lone jogger, he'll clap and cheer for them too!"
Mrs Evans had previously run the Edinburgh Marathon in 2013, and applied several times for the London Marathon.
When a charity slot became available with the MS National Therapy Centre to run the London Marathon, she jumped at the chance.
She said: "I wanted to try one of the official attempts at a world record and noticed that there had previously been a 'fastest male dressed as a double helix' but not a woman.
"I applied and was set a target of four hours 30 minutes, which was tough as my previous marathon was four hours 50 minutes.
"But after some training, and pushing myself bit by bit, it was achievable."
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Anyone taking on an 'official attempt' for a Guinness world record in the London Marathon must go through rigorous checks before they can join the race.
Mrs Evans said: "My helix costume had to be approved by the end of February. My first design was rejected for not being recognisable enough!
"The costume also had to come above the shoulder and below the knee to qualify.
"I played with various materials to make sure it was secure but also flexible.
"Seeing other official attempts, such as a man dressed as a car, it made me grateful my design was smaller because I was able to weave through tighter parts of the route."
Not forgetting her inspiration for running, Mrs Evans also wore a hat with her slogan and a picture of Gabriel.
Speaking about the race, Mrs Evans said: "London was like no other event I've been to, so many people in the crowds, the noise was overwhelming at times.
"Everyone had a story, a charity, or maybe had lost someone.
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"I was lucky to have so much support in the crowd, my husband, Allan, came to four different areas of the route."
Crossing the finish line in four hours and 20 minutes meant the world record was instantly achieved.
But on top of the recognition, Mrs Evans' fund raising figure is currently sitting at around £1,400 with more donations still to come in.
"I couldn't have imagined raising that much", she said.
"A large chunk of this will go to the MS National Therapy Centres as it was their charity space but the rest will go to the Downs Syndrome Association (DSA).
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"For DSA, it will help to provide support to families who have recently found out their child has Downs syndrome.
"I just want to make people think and raise awareness of the many genetic conditions that there are.
"I might not have had the most obvious of costumes and I heard people saying in surprise as I went past 'she's DNA!'
"My funniest comment was from a lady who said 'I don't know what you have wrapped round you, but well done!'"
MS National Therapy Centres (MSNTC) is a charity which represents individual therapy centres across England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, the Channel Islands and Gibraltar.
These centres provide treatments, therapies, help and support to 15,000 people living with Multiple Sclerosis, every week.
World MS Day is recognised on May 30 2019.
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