AN inspirational fundraiser is to take on the Great North Run course with the help of a bionic suit.

Claire Lomas, paralysed from the chest down after a horse-riding accident, expects to take five days to complete the half-marathon from Newcastle to South Shields.

In 2012, she made history by finishing the London Marathon in her revolutionary ReWalk suit, completing the course in 17 days.

Now the 36-year-old from Leicestershire plans to tackle the 13-mile event on Tyneside, setting off from Newcastle on Wednesday, September 7 and cover three miles each day, completing the final mile on Sunday, September 11 in front of the crowds at South Shields before the elite athletes reach the finish line.

She said: “I’ve always fancied doing the Great North Run and I was thrilled when the organisers invited me to take part having heard I had been turned away from other events.

“My accident was an eventing accident. Horses take up your life. I’d just got to the highest level in the sport about eight months before and it was such a big loss for me.

“But as much as I loved it, it stopped me doing other things so since then, life has opened new doors for me.

"I’ve done the London Marathon four years ago but I always wanted to do the Great North Run because it looks amazing, with a brilliant atmosphere.”

Claire has rebuilt her life since the accident nine years ago, raising more than £500,000 for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation.

During her five days on Tyneside, Claire will be talking to children at school assemblies along the route, who will also join her for sections of the walk from Newcastle to South Shields.

Claire has been previously restricted from being an official competitor at events because rules say her suit gives her an advantage over other participants.

“The suit has a motor but I can tell you that it is hard work,” she explained. “I certainly have to work to use it. It moves my legs for me. Obviously I can’t do that because I am paralysed from the chest down.

“Even balancing myself in the suit is difficult. I can’t feel the ground I’m on. I have to shift my weight for every step at the right time to enable me to take a step, while balancing myself on the crutches".