Latest update: Claire has just finished! 16 days after starting the marathon with thousands of racers, Claire Lomas has made it, on crutches and robotic suit. Well done!
Thank you to everybody who has supported Claire’s courageous journey; thank you, well done and stick at it Claire!
Please support Claire on http://www.justgiving.com/Claire-Lomas - every donation helps!
Visit www.get-claire-walking.co.uk for more info and updates and follow her on twitter @claire80lomas
Even the incessant April showers cannot stop Claire Lomas, spinally injured eventer, on her quest to walk the London Marathon and raise funds for Spinal Research. Claire became paralysed from the chest down (T4) in 2007 as the result of a horse riding accident but this hasn't stopped her.
Claire uses a robotic suit, which enables her to stand up and walk. This intrepid woman has gone from taking her first steps since the accident only three months ago, to attempting the marathon! It has taken her nine days to cover the first 15 grueling miles and she is still smiling.
Claire has already raised over £86,000 for Spinal Research!
My husband and I had the pleasure of covering some of the ground with Claire on Monday as she crossed Wapping. I strapped my legs into calipers and tried to keep up with Claire but was soon exhausted, not to mention nervous, walking outdoors on an uneven surface, amidst London’s hustle and bustle. I could only manage 50 yards (the furthest I’ve ever walked outdoors).
To see video click here: http://youtu.be/O8gOkV9jEtE
Apparently overtaking me made Claire’s day, which made the drive from Warwick well worth it. We loved meeting Claire and offering moral support. Attempting to walk alongside Claire brought home quite how tough her challenge really is.
This is a physically and mentally demanding mission. Using crutches, Claire has to take a lot of pressure through her shoulders, arms and hands. On the first day she covered an exhausting 2.25 miles; imagine being in her (robot) shoes and contemplating the remaining 24 miles, knowing that most of the other competitors had finished and gone home!
Claire said
“During my time in hospital I saw many people who had had their lives turned upside down - some who are unable to breath without the use of a ventilator. I have been very lucky to have a lot of support from family and friends helping me deal with this catastrophic injury- some don't have this support.
“Spinal cord injuries doesn't just mean you can't walk any more, but can also effect sensation, bowel and bladder function, circulation, temperature regulation, sexual function, bone density… A spinal injury can happen to anyone at anytime in a split second - a cure must be found!”
Claire is doing a brilliant job raising money and awareness of Spinal Cord Injury, which affects the lives of millions everyday. Claire is a hugely determined and gutsy woman, undertaking a remarkable feat for a great cause.
In quite an uncharacteristic way, much of the London traffic stopped to donate and find out more, including the London Fire Service who even posed for some photos!
