Marathon star Claire Lomas is already embarking on her next challenge in what she calls “a real test of strength and endurance.” She has started on a 400-mile bike ride from Nottingham Trent University. Lomas will hand-cycle to London intending to raise £400,000 for spinal cord injury research. She intends to complete this challenge and reach London in a matter of three weeks.
Lomas is a campaigner for the rights of disabled persons. During this current challenge she will also be visiting schools on behalf of the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation. She will also speak to people about Spinal Research to increase awareness. Lomas set out from the Newton building of the University and was waved off by friends and family as she rolled out on her customized bicycle.
London Marathon finisher
Lomas is a paralyzed athlete. She became the first person to complete the London Marathon in 2012 while on foot and wearing a robotic suit. She completed the marathon in 17 days, walking a total of two miles each day. Lomas walked the course along with her mother, husband and daughter and raised around £210,000 with her courageous feat.
Advocacies
Lomas said that she hopes to share the events of her life with the children in the schools that she will be visiting. She is also scheduled to speak at universities. After completing the marathon, she received invitations to speak about her advocacy and she eventually decided to combine it with the upcoming challenge. Lomas shared that she was looking forward to telling the children and the students how she overcame her accident in order to inspire them. She also hopes to motivate and encourage people to start their own fundraisers.
The Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation is a global charity founded by David Nicholls who funds the research studies of Prof. Geoffry Raisman, a leading neuroscientist in the United Kingdom. This foundation is supported by many patrons. Spinal Research was established three decades ago. Today it is recognized worldwide as a charity for spinal cord repair and sets the standard. The charity has been instrumental in a number of breakthroughs in the management of spinal cord injury.
Injured
In May 2007, Claire Lomas of Melton Mowbray was involved in a horse riding accident in Osberton Horse Trials. She was competing when she collided with a tree. Lomas sustained severe injuries, breaking her neck, ribs and back and was in intensive care for ten days. She also punctured one lung and suffered from pneumonia. She was paralyzed and lost the use of both her legs due to this accident. She was released from Northern General Hospital after eight weeks. And yet, despite the challenges that she faces everyday as a paraplegic, she continues living her life and has become a voice for persons with disability.
For this current challenge she chose to set out from Nottingham Trent University, a leading school for equine sports science. Lomas was welcomed by the faculty of the School of Animal, Rural, and Environmental Sciences headed by Dean Eunice Simmons.
Photo Credit: Claire Lomas
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