Inspirational paralysed marathon walker set to finish Manchester Marathon challenge
Claire Lomas is walking the route in a specially designed suit
The end of the Greater Manchester Marathon is in sight for an inspirational walker - who has been tackling the route since the starting gun went off last Sunday morning.
Claire Lomas was paralysed in a freak horse riding accident in 2007. Since then she has dedicated her life to raising money for spinal injury research, while tackling extreme physical challenges.
When she crosses the finish line, Claire will become the first paralysed person to complete not one, but two marathons.
Claire walks in a specially designed robotic suit, that helps people with spinal injuries to walk. Alongside her family, she has tackled the Manchester Marathon route over the past eight days.
Her husband walks behind her to make sure she has support if she falls or loses her footing, while two neighbours also tackle the challenge, rattling collection tins and offering encouragement.
Claire said: “Taking on the Greater Manchester Marathon has been a huge mental and physical challenge for me and the support of the people I have met along the way or who have put out messages on social media have really encouraged me.
“Greater Manchester has been wonderful even on some of the rainy days but frankly I can’t wait to cross that finish line today."
When she crosses the finish line, Claire will have beaten her previous record, set in the 2012 London Marathon. Then, it took her 17 days to walk the 26.2 mile route - this time, she could be done in just eight.