'Claire was a powerhouse of positivity and a real inspiration to so many'

Claire, who raised nearly £1million for spinal injury research after being paralysed in a horse riding accident in 2017, had a close connection with Matt Hampson, a former Leicester Tigers rugby player who has become similarly inspirational since his own devastating paralysis.

Following news of Claire’s death at the age of 44, following an accident in Jordan in the middle east, the Matt Hampson Foundation posted on the X social media channel: “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.”

Tara Stewart, chairwoman of Spinal Research charity, 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.

"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.”

The passing of Claire, who lived with husband Dan and their daughters Maisie and Chloe at Eye Kettleby, has devastated people across the UK as well as the Melton community.

Mayor of Melton, Councillor Tim Webster. commented: “Claire overcame many challenges following her accident in 2007 and went on to run various campaigns and fundraising events to raise funds for research through the charity Spinal Research.

"Claire was a very positive person and worked tirelessly to not let anything get in her way to raise the awareness of spinal injuries through her charitable work.

"Her drive and passion for this cause helped change the lives of many people who have suffered spinal injuries, and she will be sadly missed.

"Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to her family and friends at this sad time.”

Claire was a former student at Stamford School and returned there to give an inspirational talk to students and staff.

The school described her in a statement as an ‘extraordinary individual’ and added: “Claire's legacy is one of courage, hope, and the power of the human spirit.”

Paul Foster, chief executive of Great Run, said: "Claire was a true inspiration. Her achievement in completing the 2016 Great North Run was one of the most powerful moments in the long history of the event."

One of Claire’s passions was riding motorcycles – she wanted to ride a lap of the Mountain Course at the Manx Grand Prix in 2018 but it was blocked by organisers because they were concerned about her safety.

But she did ride a lap at every British Superbike Championship (BSB) round that year, on a Suzuki SV 650, which was adapted for her disability.

BSB Series and Race Director Stuart Higgs said he was ‘sad’ to hear the news, adding: “Claire was an amazingly driven person and her various laps at BSB events and circuits were one of many formidable challenges she set herself.”