Paralysed Woman Claire Lomas Nears Halfway Point In London Marathon After Seven Days

Paralysed Woman Nears Halfway Point In Epic London Marathon

A paralysed woman is more than halfway through her bid to tackle the London Marathon in a bionic suit.

Battling the rain and wind in the city today, Claire Lomas remained in high spirits as she crossed the Tower Bridge - the half way point for the 26-mile race.

TV presenter Gaby Logan and her husband former international rugby star Kenny joined the 32-year-old today for a mile of the race.

The couple, who have both appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, are among a number of celebrities to support Miss Lomas on the route.

Friends, family and members of the public cheered on the mother of one today as she crossed the bridge.

Lomas is the first person to attempt the marathon in a ReWalk suit.

Husband Dan, mother Joyce and 13-month-old daughter Maisie have been supporting her from the sidelines since she set off with thousands of others on 22 April.

Lomas, from Eye Kettleby, near Melton, was left paralysed from the chest down following a horse riding accident five years ago.

She broke her neck, back and ribs and punctured a lung when her horse Rolled Oats threw her off as she took part in the Osberton Horse Trials in Nottinghamshire in 2007.

Lomas is hoping to raise more than £50,000 for Spinal Research, a charity which funds medical research around the world to develop reliable treatments for paralysis caused by a broken back or neck.

The £43,000 RealWalk suit, designed by Israeli entrepreneur Amit Goffer, enables people with lower-limb paralysis to stand, walk and climb stairs through motion sensors and an onboard computer system.

Lomas is due to complete the race on 8 May.

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