Life is so unpredictable. We never know what will happen next. Sometimes life puts us in situations that test our courage. Claire also faced such a situation when she met with a dreadful accident while riding a horse which left her paralyzed from the chest down. Due to her strong willpower, she never gave up and used all her abilities to help people with paralysis by raising money for them. In 2012, with her strong determination, she endured seventeen days of walking with the help of a robotic suit to claim the title of being the first and only paralyzed person to walk the London Marathon. She has numerous achievements and recognitions including the Helen Rollason Award for Inspiration. Her book “Finding My Feet” was short listed for the British Sports Book Awards.

How did your life change after the horse riding accident? What inspires you to take on many challenges like riding a motorcycle?C: Split second that changed almost everything - I couldn't be a chiropractor anymore or compete my horses- that was my passion and I had just reached the highest level in the sport. I always like to challenge myself- I was like this before my accident. I also want to keep raising money to help people with paralysis regain sensation and movement.

Tell us about your experience at the London Marathon in 2012? How did you train yourself for this event?C: I have always done a lot of rehab since my accident so was used to training. I had 12 weeks to learn to use the suit- it was testing at times! All worth it for what was an incredible 17 days. Hard work and slow- but raising £210k for charity in process was a huge boost.

Do you think willpower is the key to make things happen? If yes, how did willpower help you during your rehabilitation? What is the one thing you wish for and why?C: Without a doubt yes. I needed every bit of willpower I could find to keep doing my rehab. Sports (eventing) taught me this. One thing I wish for is a healthy and happy Maisie (4 now) and family. Family comes above everything.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you like about that place?C: The mountain (usually Morzine in France) to ski with all my family

What are your other hobbies?C: Handcycling , skiing , motorbikes, go karting

Who is your inspiration?C: My family inspire me to keep going- but also former event rider and friend Lucinda green and injured rugby player Matt Hampson.

What do you like to do when you are with your family?C: Like fun days out- so go karting , cycling, swimming etc

Any special message for our community?C: Never give up. Following my accident I never thought I could be happy living with paralysis I was so wrong. Now I wouldn't change my life back. My accident lost me a lot but I have gained so much more