Paralysed eventer Claire Lomas to tackle London Marathon

Paralysed event rider Claire Lomas is to be joined by celebrities including Clare Balding and Tim Henman on her London Marathon mission, starting on 22 April.

The former event rider – who was injured in an accident at Osberton horse trials in 2007 – aims to walk the 26 miles in a robotic suit.

She will also be joined by Lucinda Green, ITV Daybreak presenters Dan Lobb and Helen Fospero and former England rugby player Matt Hampson, now paralysed himself, who will each accompany her for a mile.

“Training is going really well so far,” Claire told H&H.

“I walked a mile last week – it felt like 10 miles – and took me 2hr 40min. It’s hard work, much harder than I’d expected. It’s uncomfortable and challenging – especially on my wrists and arms.”

Claire thinks the marathon will take her two to three weeks.

“I’m really excited,” she added. “I’ll see how much I can do in a day, but I’m not sure whether it’ll get harder as the days go on as I’ll be sore, or easier as it becomes more familiar.”

Claire aims to raise £50,000 for Spinal Research.

For how to donate to Claire and other runners visit: www.get-claire-walking.co.uk and www.horseandhound.co.uk/marathon2012.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (12 April 2012)

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