BBC Gabby Logan breaks sad news over Great North Run star Claire Lomas' death
BBC presenter Gabby Logan made a poignant interruption during the Great North Run broadcast to share the deeply sad news that Claire Lomas, a former participant known for her inspirational achievements, had passed away that week.
Gabby Logan, renowned for presenting during the Olympics, returned to Tyneside to take up her hosting duties for the live coverage of the iconic event. The broadcast began with a moving performance, offering a new arrangement of Mark Knopfler's 'Local Hero,' played by Guitar Heroes, as a tribute to the run's legacy.
As viewers watched a powerful montage of the Great North Run's 43-year-history, they saw legendary moments including Mo Farah's last race and the inspiring Claire Lomas completing the course in a bionic suit back in 2016.
Claire, 44, remarkably overcame significant challenges after an equestrian accident left her paralysed 17 years ago, resulting in life-changing injuries including a broken neck, back, ribs, and collapsed lung. By completing runs such as the London Marathon in 2012 and raising over £1 million for charity, she became an emblem of determination.
However, during the touching moments on screen, Gabby revealed the tragic news of Claire's death to the audience, according to Chronicle Live, reports Leicestershire Live.
In a solemn interlude, Gabby shared with viewers: "You may have recognised Claire Lomas in her bionic suit, which she wore to complete the Great North Run, having been paralysed in her sport, eventing."
Gabby solemnly shared the news: "Well, it is very sad news I bring you that Claire died in an accident in Jordan a few days ago," and continued to describe Claire as an 'incredible inspiration,' assuring viewers that a fuller homage would be paid later in the programme, with Great North Run founder Sir Brendan Foster joining the tribute.
At the start of the week, Claire's family released a statement confirming her demise, pleading: "We are absolutely devastated to lose Claire. We would ask people to respect our privacy in the coming days to allow us to grieve in peace."
Against all odds and after being told she'd never walk again, Claire beat the predictions by finishing the London Marathon in 2012 with the help of a bionic suit. Her incredible journey lasted 17 days and managed to raise a stunning £220,000 for spinal injury research through the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation.
Additionally, Claire had the distinguished honour of lighting the cauldron at the 2012 Paralympic Games and went on to complete both the Great North Run and the Great South Run equipped with her bionic technology.
Acknowledging her extraordinary efforts to fundraise and change lives, Claire was granted an Honorary Degree in 2016. She lived in Melton Mowbray with her partner Dan and their two daughters.