Cycle challenge for ‘bionic suit’ fundraiser

A PARALYSED fundraiser who completed the London Marathon using a bionic suit has said her latest challenge could be the toughest yet.
Claire Lomas sets off from Nottingham Trent University on her challenge to complete the equivalent of a marathon a day on a hand bikeClaire Lomas sets off from Nottingham Trent University on her challenge to complete the equivalent of a marathon a day on a hand bike
Claire Lomas sets off from Nottingham Trent University on her challenge to complete the equivalent of a marathon a day on a hand bike

Disability rights campaigner Claire Lomas, 33, will spend three weeks cycling 400 miles around the UK using just her upper body strength to pedal a hand bike.

Along the way she will also stop at various schools each day to talk to youngsters about the back injury which left her paralysed from the chest down after a freak riding accident in May 2007.

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Ms Lomas hit the headlines last year when, after a mammoth show of superhuman strength lasting 17 days, she completed the capital’s 26.2-mile marathon wearing a specially designed suit which allowed her to walk.

Claire Lomas sets off from Nottingham Trent University on her challenge to complete the equivalent of a marathon a day on a hand bikeClaire Lomas sets off from Nottingham Trent University on her challenge to complete the equivalent of a marathon a day on a hand bike
Claire Lomas sets off from Nottingham Trent University on her challenge to complete the equivalent of a marathon a day on a hand bike

Her latest challenge, which set off yesterday morning from Nottingham Trent University in front of a cheering crowd, could be the most exhausting yet because she will not only be spending all day cycling but also changing into the suit, fondly named Fred, and giving talks at the schools.

“I think it’s going to be tougher because of the talks, which I love doing, but each time you go out there and do a talk and you’ve got a bit of adrenalin it uses up energy, so you’re doing both things,” she said.

“When you’re paralysed everything’s a little bit harder work as well, so when you’re transferring from the bike into the suit that all takes a bit out of you.

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“It’s going to be tough but I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Ms Lomas, of Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, has spent all winter training for the challenge, often having to force herself to venture out in snow and biting temperatures, as well as juggling being a mother to Maisie, two.

She said her daughter has been doing things almost in tandem with her – the toddler is starting
to ride a bike and, at the time of the London Marathon, was learning to walk, just like Ms Lomas.

Despite knowing the challenge will be gruelling, Ms Lomas said raising money for her chosen charities that are trying to find a cure for paralysis will make it all worthwhile.