Claire Lomas completes 640km hand cycle challenge

Former eventer Claire Lomas this week finished her latest fundraising challenge — a 640km hand cycle ride.

Twenty-two days after Claire set off on her cycle from Nottingham Trent University, she arrived in London. Along her route she visited 161 towns in 13 counties, visiting schools doing talks. The special bike is powered by using her arms.

She finished her challenge on Monday (13 May) at the London Eye, and was greeted by more than 300 supporters.

During the final stages of her journey she was joined by celebrities including Spice Girl Melanie C and TV presenter Dan Lobb.

Claire was paralysed from the chest down in an eventing accident at Osberton horse trials in 2007. She is aiming to raise around £100,000, which will go to Spinal Research and the Nicholls Foundation, to be used for stem cell research

Last year she completed the London Marathon, walking in a specially designed “robot suit”, raising more than £250,000 for Spinal Research.

“This has been the toughest mental and physical challenge of my life, a lot harder than last year’s London Marathon,” said Claire.

“I’m relieved to have finished, but so grateful to everyone that has donated along the way, it’s what kept me going through the really hard days. My cycle may be over, but the search for a cure for paralysis isn’t, so after a few days of rest, I’ll start planning my next fundraising challenge.”

To support Claire’s Cycle, text LEGS60 £X (the amount you want to donate) to 70070

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