Inspirational marathon competitor and fund-raiser Claire Lomas has been named Woman of Achievement at the 2014 Women of the Year Awards.
Claire, 34, of Eye Kettleby, was paralysed from the chest down after a riding accident in 2007.
Since then she has dedicated her time and energy to collecting hundreds-of-thousands of pounds for worthy causes by performing Herculean feats of endurance.
In 2012, she completed the London Marathon in 17-days using a robotic suit, and then in 2013 she cycled more than 400-miles using a specially adapted reclining bike.
Her fund-raising total has reached the £400,000 mark and she says she has no intention of slowing down.
On Friday, Claire was invited to the Hilton, in Birmingham, to receive the prestigious award for her achievements.
She said: "It's great, I wasn't really expecting it. I got quite emotional it's a big honour.
"I never thought I'd be receiving anything like this when I started planning to do the marathon.
"I never expected so much media attention, it's been unbelievable really.
"Reaching £400,000 is amazing and I'm looking at reaching £500,000 now - which would be such an unbelievable figure."
Award committee member Zalena Vandrewala said: "Claire Lomas is an incredible woman, who has worked hard to overcome a challenge most of us could never imagine recovering from.
"She is an inspiration to us all and very much deserving of this award."
This year alone Claire has raised more than £63,000 for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation.
Earlier this month, an online auction, which included riding breeches donated by model Katie Price and a signed Manchester United shirt, collected £11,000 for the charity.
"They're so close to a cure," she said. "And I know 100 per cent of the money is being used for research so I try to do everything I can to help.
"But it's hard sometimes finding new ways to raise money.
"It's a full time job for me - and I have to fit it around being a mum too."
Claire's next fund-raiser is Bucking Fun, which takes place on November 8 at the King Power Stadium.
The event pits eventers, showjumpers, huntsmen, vets and farriers against each other on a mechanical bucking bronco machine.
Lucinda Green, six-time Badminton Horse Trial winner, will be part of the eventers team, with Holly Gillet among the showjumpers.
Quorn Hunt master Joss Hanbury and huntsman Peter Collins, farrier Jonathan Allington and vet Neil Ashton will also be taking part.
Tickets cost £60 – including meal – and are available at:
www.claireschallenge.co.uk
