Injured eventer to take on Virgin London Marathon in pioneering robotic suit

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Claire Lomas was injured in an eventing accident in 2007. She collided with a tree on the cross country course at Osberton Horse Trials – it was a freak accident that changed her life – but tomorrow she will toe the line at the Virgin London Marathon 2012.

She was paralysed from the chest down and since the accident her life has had to change direction, but it was surely unthinkable that one day she would cover the marathon distance – but thanks to a new robotic suit which she is the first person in the UK to benefit from – this dream is now possible.
 
Life certainly has not stopped for Claire. Since the accident she took up skiing and was subsequently selected for the British Disabled Development Squad. She has also set up a jewellery business, works in a ski office (getting plenty of ski holidays!), has found herself a wonderful husband and now has a beautiful little girl called Maisie. Claire is also an ambassador for Spinal Research and helps with the Matt Hampson Foundation, a charity to inspire and support young people seriously injured through sport.
 
Claire has worked hard on her rehabilitation since her accident; she has made good progress and is determined to keep up the work. This has all been made possible by the tremendous support Claire has had from so many people and she is very grateful for all the support. Visit Claire's website at www.get-claire-walking.co.uk 
 
She is training to walk in the new robotic suit (and it is getting a lot of media interest – www.argomedtec.com). This suit will be brilliant for Claire's rehab and it will be amazing for her to be her usual height again. It also has numerous health benefits such as improving bone density, circulation and digestion. It will enable her to walk and even climb stairs.
 
Inspirational Claire is planning to walk the Virgin London Marathon 2012 for Spinal Research. It may take a little  while  (up to three weeks) but she has permission  to  take  as  long  as  it  takes! She is hoping to raise a lot for Spinal Research who are getting closer to finding a cure.
 
Whilst Claire was in hospital she saw a  lot of young people with this catastrophic injury and a lot without the support she has and higher injuries which often means they cannot breathe without a ventilator.

You can sponsor Claire by texting LEGS60 £(amount) to 70070 or on her Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/Claire-Lomas.

Good luck to Claire!