Charity fundraiser Claire Lomas dies in accident in Middle East

In a statement issued to the Melton Times on behalf of her family, she said: “We are deeply saddened 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, 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 has been a shining example to the whole 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 force for positivity 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 known as 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.”