Bionic suit marathon fundraiser Claire Lomas dies in accident | UK news

Claire Lomas, who was the first person to run a marathon in a bionic suit and raised thousands for charity, has died.

The paralyzed mother of two died in an “accident” in Jordan in the Middle East, reports the Melton Times.

Claire suffered a broken back and ribs and a punctured lung when she was thrown from her horse at the Osberton Horse Trials in Nottinghamshire 17 years ago.

The former chiropractor, from Eye Kettleby, near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, completed the 2012 London Marathon in 17 days using a special bionic suit, raising thousands of pounds for the charity Spinal Research.

Claire, a mother of two, was also a motivational speaker and trained pilot and was awarded an MBE in 2017.

In a statement to the Melton Times, her family said: “We are absolutely devastated to lose Claire.”

“We ask people to respect our privacy in the coming days so that we can mourn in peace.”

Tara Stewart, chair of Spinal Research, which funds medical research worldwide to develop reliable treatments for paralysis caused by back or neck fractures, said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Claire's death.”

“She has been a tremendous supporter of us and other spinal cord injury charities and a shining example to the entire community.”

“In 2012 she raised an astonishing amount for spinal cord research by running the London Marathon for 17 days in a robotic suit and she continues to be a source of positive energy and a true inspiration to so many.

“This is a devastating loss and our thoughts are with her family.”

Great Run posted on X (formerly Twitter): “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of inspirational fundraiser Claire Lomas MBE.

“Claire made history as the first person in the UK to walk wearing a bionic ReWalk suit, inspiring runners across the UK and beyond.”

“Over the last decade, Claire, along with her dedicated support team, has taken part in many Great Run Series events, raising almost £1 million for charity as part of an incredible fundraising campaign.”

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