Congratulations Claire Lomas
- By Richard Branson -
- May 04, 2012
Congratulations to Claire Lomas for her outstanding effort in walking the London Marathon in aid of Spinal Research. It is an inspirational story of a lady who just won’t give up.
Claire was paralysed five years ago from the chest down after a horse riding accident. Though she cannot stand, let alone walk - without the aid of her pioneering robotic suit - she has undertaken to walk the 26.2 miles of London's streets step by step. Incredible courage.
She is averaging just a mile or so a day and is expected to finish next week - when she will have long missed the strictly enforced cut-off for the London Marathon official medal. Instead many runners are planning to meet Claire at the finish line and offer their medals to her.
Here at Virgin we treasure amazing acts of bravery - especially ones that raise money for charity - and Claire’s marathon is certainly that. We launched the Virgin Trophy to recognise men and women who go that extra mile, who challenge themselves beyond normal human limitations. The past two recipients have been The Seagulls, who broke the Guinness World Record for an all-female crew rowing unaided around Britain, and John Isner, the player who won the longest tennis match in history in Wimbledon.
Now we would be honoured to present Claire with the Virgin Trophy for 2012. We would like to offer Claire a hotel stay and special dinner for four at Babylon at the Roof Gardens in Kensington, to celebrate her astounding achievement in London, where we will present the Virgin Trophy.
After that arduous journey she deserves to put her feet up and enjoy a hearty meal!
By Richard Branson. Founder of Virgin Group
