RECORD OF HEALTH ; Marathon medic beats world''s fastest time

DRESSED in scrubs and white coat, Fiona Smith broke a world record at the London marathon for the fastest time dressed as a female doctor.

The 37-year-old, of Benton, North Tyneside, could hardly believe it when she slashed 45 seconds off the previous record holder's time.

Fiona, who is a lipidologist at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary, was delighted to complete the 26-mile route in 3hrs 59mins and 15secs.

She said: "I was incredibly proud of myself and I was over the moon to beat the world record.

"I forced myself to keep pace at the last mile and to know that I wanted to beat the world record helped me throughout the marathon.

"It is unusual to be a world record holder and I've achieved something that I would never have believed possible. Most people are quite surprised when I tell then that I am a world record holder and it is a novelty."

Fiona, who is a doctor involved in helping people manage their cholesterol, was told by Guinness World Records what she had to wear to qualify for the feat.

As a result she ran the marathon in scrubs, a white coat, and her neck was draped in a stethoscope. She even did some of her training beforehand in scrub trousers around Newcastle's Town Moor to prepare for the gruelling event.

Fiona, who is married to Billy, a laboratory worker, said: "Wearing long sleeves and long trousers did make it warm for running and it wasn't easy to run in baggy trousers.

"But the atmosphere at the marathon was fantastic and that helped to keep me going. Also anything that makes you stand out and different from other runners gets the crowd's interest."

Fiona only started running five years ago and has done four marathons - but this was the first time that she had beaten the four- hour barrier.

So far, by doing this year's London marathon, she has raised more than Pounds 340 for HEART UK, a leading cholesterol charity.

She said: "Through my work I am aware of the implications of heart-related illnesses.

"HEART UK is a tremendously importantly cause that is smaller and not as well known as other charities.

"I'm raising money for HEART UK to help spread the word."

Bosses at the charity said that the money raised by Fiona will help to support those who have lost loved ones from cholesterol- related illnesses and to raise awareness of the importance of heart health.

Jules Payne, chief executive of HEART UK said: "HEART UK are absolutely thrilled that Fiona chose our charity to fundraise for and that she set a Guinness World Record.

"She did an excellent job at raising funds that will help us to provide support to people with high cholesterol and their families.

"These funds are a vital part of our charity as we continue to raise awareness of one of the UK's biggest silent killers, cholesterol."

To give a donation to Fiona visit www.virginmoneygiving.

com/fionasmith4 or for more information on HEART UK logon to www.heartuk.org.uk

I've " achieved something that I would never have believed possible

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