Interview conducted by Emma Trim
A 26-year-old who's broken multiple records for being the tallest woman in the world has opened up about all the day-to-day tasks her height prevents her from doing easily.
Rumeysa Gelgi, who lives in Turkey, is officially the tallest living woman on the planet.
She's also achieved records for the world’s longest fingers and the longest back of any female, all as a result of a rare genetic disorder called Weaver Syndrome, which causes bone overgrowth.
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In an interview with UNILAD, Rumeysa opened up about how she continues to receive support from her parents as she struggles to carry out everyday tasks that other people might take for granted.
"I'm living with my parents who I have a very close relationship with, especially my mom is a huge part of my daily life," Rumeysa explained. "She is my biggest supporter and we are like best friends."
The record-holder, who stands at 7ft 0.7 inches, explained her mom helps her with 'almost everything' physically, even down to simply moving around the house.
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"For example, heading to the bathroom after I wake up, or getting dressed, then transferring to the kitchen or other rooms," she said.
Rumeysa requires this help due to her lack of muscles caused by Weaver Syndrome, which can also cause scoliosis, or spinal curvature.
"These lead me to have a physical disability. That's why I need someone's help always, especially with the things I need to do physically," she said.
A normal day, Rumeysa explained, begins with her being helped from her room before having her breakfast with her mom.
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"I need help with getting out of the bed, getting dressed up, or you know, heading to the bathroom for a shower for example," she said. "But I can eat my meal on my own, I can do my makeup and hair on my own."
Noting that most people take the act of walking for granted, Rumeysa continued: "I wish that I could be able to walk easier than I can right now. Because I can walk on my own, but with a walker. And I, of course, would love to do it more easily."
As well as struggling to walk, Rumeysa is unable to sit in a standard car due to implants in her back which prevent her from bending her spine.
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She finds it tough to find clothes and shoes which fit, and expressed a desire to travel the world more easily after taking a flight on a plane for the very first time earlier this year.
But while Rumeysa's height has caused challenges for her, there isn't much she feels like she's missed out on as a result of her condition.
"I am really lucky to have a supportive family, supportive people around me to do their best to [help] me to live my life to the fullest," she said.
Topics: Life, Health, World News
Emily Brown