Eye Kettleby fundraiser Claire Lomas is honoured by the Prime Minister

Television sports broadcaster Ivan Gaskell interviews our special guest Claire Lomas at last year's Melton Times Sports Awards evening EMN-160524-091540002

Claire, who was paralysed from the chest down following a riding accident in 2007, has raised more than £515,000 for spinal injuries charities since then.

She only recently completed her latest gruelling fundraising challenge - the Vitality London 10,000 - which saw her walk 10km in 12 hours wearing her robotic suit - raising more than £11,500 for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation in the process.

The Prime Minister’s daily Points of Light Award recognises outstanding individual volunteers - people who are making a change in their community

In his letter, recognising Claire as the 542nd UK Point of Light, Mr Cameron wrote: “You are an incredible fundraiser who has inspired thousands with the remarkable physical challenges you have undertaken.

“Your commitment to the efforts to find a cure for paralysis is fantastic.

“I believe it is my duty as Prime Minister to hold up examples of great volunteering and service as an inspiration to others.

“Through your hard work and dedication you are making our communities stronger, and our country a better place.

“On behalf of the whole country, I hope this Points of Light Award can be a small way of saying thank you.”

Heroic Claire, who tweeted her thanks to the Prime Minister, is now busy with final plans for the Road2Recovery Half Marathon and 5k Fun Run she has organised and which takes place on Sunday, June 19.

People can choose from either a half marathon around some of the scenic lanes in Leicestershire or the 5k fun run in the beautiful setting of Eye Kettleby Lakes.

There will also be a family entertainment area with inflatable rides, games, a magician and even a visit by Peppa Pig together with a hog roast and a variety of other drink and food choices.

The half marathon starts at 10.30am and the fun run at 11am.

All of the profit will go to the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation who are making worldwide news with their groundbreaking research into the cure for paralysis.

To enter online, to download postal entry forms and for more information about the events visit http://www.claireschallenge.co.uk/#!melton-mowbray-half-marathon-/cn0g