Claire Lomas, pictured on the Tyne Bridge as she took part in the Great North Run in Newcastle, has died aged 44 (Picture: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
Claire Lomas, who became the first person to complete a marathon in a bionic suit and raised thousands for charity, has died.
The paralysed mum of two was killed in an ‘accident’ in Jordan, in the Middle East, the Melton Times reports.
Claire broke her back and ribs and punctured a lung when her horse threw her off as she took part in the Osberton Horse Trials in Nottinghamshire 17 years ago.
The former chiropractor, from Eye Kettleby, near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, completed the London Marathon in 17 days in 2012 using a special bionic suit and raised thousands of pounds for the Spinal Research charity.
Claire, a mum of two, was also a motivational speaker, a qualified pilot and made an MBE in 2017.
In statement given to the Melton Times, her family said: ‘We are absolutely devastated to lose Claire.
‘We would ask people to respect our privacy in the coming days to allow us to grieve in peace.’
Claire finishing the London Marathon in her bionic suit in 2012 (Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire)
Claire after receiving her MBE (Picture: PA)
Tara Stewart, chairwoman of Spinal Research, which funds medical research around the world to develop reliable treatments for paralysis caused by a broken back or neck, said: ‘We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Claire’s death.
‘She was a great supporter of ours, and other spinal injury charities, and a guiding light to the entire community.
‘It was in 2012 that she raised a staggering amount for Spinal Research by walking the London Marathon over 17 days in a robotic suit and she continued to be a powerhouse of positivity and a real inspiration to so many.
‘This is a devastating loss and our thoughts are with her family.’
Claire reaching the finish line of the Great North Run in 2016 (Picture: North News & Pictures Ltd)C
Great Run posted on X, formerly Twitter, saying: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the inspirational fundraiser, Claire Lomas MBE.
‘Claire made history as the first person in the UK to walk with a bionic ReWalk suit, inspiring runners across the UK and beyond.
‘Over the past decade, Claire completed many Great Run Series events alongside her dedicated support team, as part of an incredible fundraising drive, raising almost £1 million for charities.’
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