Claire Lomas’s performance in the Great North Run is the epitome of dedication and perseverance. The Great North Run is a half-marathon run in England, and Claire completed the marathon in 5 days.
Claire was paralyzed from the chest down in 2007 after being thrown off a horse. She admits that dealing with her injury has been difficult, for she excelled in equestrian, even reaching the “highest level in the sport of Eventing eight months before [her] accident.” Since her accident, Claire has become a strong advocate for the disabled community. “I do a lot of speaking events,” she says. “I always think if it helps one person in the room it is worth it.” She also remains active in sports, using events such as marathons to raise money for foundations such as the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation.
Claire, who was also pregnant at the time of this marathon, was aided with a bionic exoskeleton that enabled her to walk. “I have the computer and battery pack on my back and I tilt my pelvis for every step,” she explains. Getting through the marathon required an immense amount of effort and tenacity on Claire’s part.
“It is very hard work physically and mentally, especially with my injury, as I have no core strength and no feeling from the chest down. I can’t even feel the ground. Each slope, bump, hill is a huge obstacle.”
“It was a tough challenge, hardest yet. At times I wondered if I wouldn’t make it,” Claire shares. Yet, her motivation powered her through the marathon, and she was warmly received by many supporters, including her husband and 5-year-old daughter, who also competed in the Mini Great North Run, at the finish line.
But this marathon was not her first rodeo. Back in 2012, Claire also participated in the London Marathon, which took her 17 days to complete!
“When I take something on, I am desperate to give it my all and complete it,” Claire says, and her various achievements have definitely exuded her fighting spirit.
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