Claire Lomas, a remarkable charity fundraiser and inspirational figure, has passed away in Jordan on August 22, 2024. The 44-year-old from Eye Kettleby, Leicestershire, was renowned for her groundbreaking achievements following a life-altering accident in 2007.
Lomas gained international recognition in 2012 when she became the first person to complete the London Marathon using a ReWalk robotic exoskeleton. This feat, accomplished over 17 days, raised substantial funds for Spinal Research, the UK's leading charity funding medical research for paralysis treatments.
Her journey began tragically at the Osberton Horse Trials in Nottinghamshire in 2007, where a riding accident left her paralyzed from the chest down, a condition known as thoracic spinal cord injury. Despite this setback, Lomas refused to be defined by her limitations.
Prior to her accident, Lomas worked as a chiropractor, focusing on neuromuscular disorders. After her injury, she transformed her life, becoming a motivational speaker, a qualified pilot, and a tireless advocate for spinal cord research. Her efforts were recognized in 2017 when she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by the then Duke of Cambridge, now King Charles III, at Buckingham Palace.
Lomas' impact extended beyond the London Marathon. In 2016, she completed the Great North Run, the world's largest half marathon, further cementing her status as an icon of perseverance. Her participation in various Great Run Series events across the UK helped her raise nearly £1 million for charities.
The news of Lomas' passing has deeply affected many organizations and individuals. Tara Stewart, chairman of Spinal Research, described her as "a powerhouse of positivity and a real inspiration to so many." Great Run, the organizer of numerous running events in the UK, hailed her as "a true inspiration" and announced plans to pay tribute at the upcoming Great North Run.
Paul Foster, chief executive of Great Run, reflected on Lomas' impact: "Her achievement in completing the 2016 Great North Run was one of the most powerful moments in the long history of the event."
Independent Thinking, an organization working with schools and educators, also expressed their sorrow, emphasizing Lomas' role in demonstrating how to find positives in negative situations and refusing to believe in limitations.
[[Statement from Claire Lomas' family]]
"We are absolutely devastated to lose Claire. We would ask people to respect our privacy in the coming days to allow us to grieve in peace."
Claire Lomas' legacy extends far beyond her athletic achievements. She embodied resilience, innovation, and the power of the human spirit to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Her life serves as a testament to the potential of assistive technologies like the ReWalk exoskeleton and the importance of continued research in spinal cord injuries.
As the world remembers this pioneering figure, her impact on charity fundraising, disability awareness, and inspirational leadership will undoubtedly continue to influence and motivate people for years to come.