Fundraising Legend Claire Lomas MBE Has Died Aged 44
Lomas MBE, who learned to ride a motorcycle after becoming paralysed in a horse riding accident, has died in Jordan
Claire Lomas MBE has died aged 44 following an accident in Jordan in the Middle East.
In a statement made to the Melton Times, Claire’s 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.”
Claire was paralysed from the chest down in 2007 following an accident at the Osberton Horse Trials. Subsequently, she learned to ride a motorcycle and often used her passion for two wheels to raise money for various charities.
Forced to abandon an attempt to lap the Isle of Man TT course when organisers deemed it too dangerous, Claire instead lapped every BSB circuit on her specially adapted Suzuki SV650, which featured toe clips to keep her feet in place and velcro for holding her knees in place.
Having already become the first person to complete the London Marathon using a robotic walking aid in 2012, a feat which took 17 days, Claire returned to the event to do the whole thing in full motorcycle gear, taking six and a half days to reach the finish line.
While a Snaeffel Mountain lap wasn’t possible, Claire did manage a ride of the North West 200 course in 2023, in aid of the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation.
In all, she raised nearly £1 million for charity through various endeavours, with other beneficiaries including The Matt Hampson Foundation for insured sports people, and The Bike Experience, a fantastic charity with an aim to get more disabled people onto motorcycles.
Claire, who lived in Eye Kettleby, Leicestershire, leaves behind her husband Dan and daughters Maisie and Chloe.
Our thoughts are with Claire Lomas’ family at this difficult time.
Matt has a background in motoring journalism of the four-wheeled variety but has long had a passion for motorbikes, taking his first steps into riding in 2010.
