Claire Lomas escapes injury in handcycling collision

The aftermath of the collision involving Claire Lomas' handcycle and a car EMN-200712-092126001

Paralysed fundraiser Claire Lomas says she was lucky to escape serious injury after being involved in a collision with a car while she was handcycling on roads near Melton.

Claire, who was 40 this year, uses the machine to keep fit and to raise money for charity after suffering paralysis below the chest in a horseriding accident back in 2007.

But yesterday morning (Sunday) she endured a horriying incident which badly damaged her handcycle.

She Tweeted: “I have been lucky again.

The aftermath of the collision involving Claire Lomas' handcycle and a car EMN-200712-092146001

“I was hit and pushed along by a car whilst out handcycling this morning - very scary.

“I am a bit sore and have a broken handbike BUT I am alive.

“I was right next to the wheel and wondered if I was going under the car.”

A crew from East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) attended the scene to check if Claire required any treatment.

The aftermath of the collision involving Claire Lomas' handcycle and a car EMN-200712-092136001

Seven years ago, Claire used a hand-powered bike to travel 400 miles around England to raise more than £70,000 for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation, which conducts research into a cure for paralysis.

Claire was awarded an MBE for raising nearly £750,000 for paralysis charities with a series of gruelling challenges, including completing the London Marathon course in a robotic suit.

Claire declined to comment further while police continue investigations into the incident.