PARAPLEGIC Claire Lomas visited a special school in the district as part of a 400 mile charity cycle challenge around the UK.

She was raising money for Spinal Research and Nicholls Spinal Foundation and St Luke’s School in Redbourn contributed £600 for her charities by holding an inter-form bike race, cake sale, sponsored walk and raffle.

Claire held an assembly with the pupils, showing her journey from when she had her riding accident that left her paralysed to her walking the London Marathon last year in a robotic suit. She demonstrated the suit in action, and allowed the winner of the bike race to try out her specially adapted bike.

She was given a big cheer when she walked across the school hall in her special suit.

Six pupils subsequently joined three other schools and celebrities including Gary Lineker, Mel C and Dan Lobb to watch Claire cross the finish line at the London Eye.

Assistant head, Debbie Bloomfield, said: “We feel very lucky to have been selected to have Claire visit us and to be invited to watch her cross the finish line. The pupils are still talking about it and have great memories of meeting a fantastically inspirational person.”