Claire Lomas’ Daughter Set For Mini Great North Run
Inspirational fundraiser Claire Lomas will be joined by her young daughter who will take part in the Junior and Mini Great North Run as her mum takes on the world's biggest half marathon this September.
Five-year-old Maisie Spincer learned to walk around the same time that Claire adjusted to her bionic walking suit in 2012.
Claire, a former event rider, was paralysed from the chest down in a tragic riding accident in 2007. She then became the first person to run a marathon in the revolutionary “ReWalk” suit.
Claire is the first person to take on the Great North Run using a bionic suit and will begin the event on Wednesday 7 September, completing three miles per day and take in the final mile on Sunday 11 September.
While Claire is completing her journey, little Maisie will be embarking on her own one when she runs the Mini Great North Run on the NewcastleGateshead Quayside on Saturday 10 September.
Mum and daughter will be supporting the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation, a charity close to Claire's heart that funds research into treating paralysis caused by spinal cord injury.
Claire said: “Maisie did a mile race before and loved it, so when I decided to sign up for Great North Run we thought it would be a great way to get her involved in the challenge.
“I remember watching her when she ran and she reminded me of myself when I was able to run.
“She couldn't run that fast but she gave it her all and it made me really proud.
“Maisie really enjoyed herself, when she crossed that finish line she was beaming and wanted to sign up to something similar.”
Claire will begin mile 9.3 of the Half Marathon on Day 4 of her journey as Maisie takes her place on the start line of the Mini Great North Run.
The UK's most popular children's running event, which reached capacity in record timing this year, will feature 6,500 children taking part for fun, fitness and fundraising.
Claire will begin her five-day challenge with a visit to Newcastle High School For Girls, where she will give an inspirational talk to the assembly.
She added: “Maisie is so excited to take part in the Mini Great North Run, she was beside herself when the race pack came.
“I have seen what a huge opportunity organised running events are for children and what the benefits of leading a healthy and active life are.
"It's something that I am very passionate about and it is such a nice way of encouraging children to do something positive.
“I think it's important for children to be aware of my journey as it helps with their own understanding. In my past experience they are always so accepting.
“It's also important for us to raise awareness about the charity and to encourage support wherever we can.”
To support Claire and Maisie's fundraising for Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation at the Great North Run, visit http://www.claireschallenge.co.uk
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