Charities have paid tribute to a fundraiser and campaigner after her death was announced last week. 

Claire Lomas raised almost £1m for charity by competing in a wide range of fundraising events after she was paralysed from the chest down following a collision with a tree at the Osberton Horse Trials in 2007.

She made headlines after becoming the first person to complete the London Marathon wearing a bionic ReWalk suit in 2012, an effort that took 17 days and raised £220,000 for charities including Spinal Research and the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation.

The following year, Lomas handcycled 400 miles around parts of England, visiting schools along the way to deliver talks and raising a further £85,000 for the NSIF.

Lomas was awarded an MBE in 2017 for her fundraising efforts and raised more than £850,000 through various challenges.

She died at the age of 44 after an accident in Jordan on 22 August, her family said.

In a statement provided to the Melton Times, Lomas’ family said: “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.” 

Tara Stewart, chair of Spinal Research, said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Claire’s death.

“She was a great supporter of ours, and other spinal injury charities, and a guiding light to the entire community. 

“It was in 2012 that she raised a staggering amount for Spinal Research by walking the London Marathon over 17 days in a robotic suit and she continued to be a powerhouse of positivity and a real inspiration to so many.

“This is a devastating loss and our thoughts are with her family.”

In a post on X, the Matt Hampson Foundation said: “Everyone at the foundation is devastated to hear the sad news about the death of our beneficiary and friend Claire Lomas MBE.

“Claire was someone who loved and embraced life and most definitely got busy living.

“Our thoughts are with her family and friends.” 

Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, said Lomas was “truly inspirational”.

Brasher said: “We are so sorry to hear the very sad news about Claire.

“She was a truly inspirational person to so many and one of the inaugural winners of the Spirit of the London Marathon Award.

“We salute all that Claire did for disability sport and send our sincere condolences to her family and friends.”

The Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation has been contacted for comment.