THERE were lots of cheers and a few tears as the final entrant in the 2018 Manchester Marathon crossed the finishing line.

The race for the fastest competitor ended last Sunday in a time of just over two hours 22 minutes, but for paraplegic Claire Lomas it was the end of nine torrid days punctuated by many café and rest stops and media calls including television, as she battled her way stride by painful stride around the 26.2-mile course on specially adapted robotic legs.

Claire was paralysed from the waist down in 2007 after a horse riding accident.

She was greeted at the finish at Old Trafford Town Hall by hundreds of wellwishers including the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Trafford, Cllr Jonathan Coupe, and the leader of Trafford Council, Sean Anstee.

The monumental effort has already raised almost £30,000 for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation.

Claire said: "It seems ages ago that I started and it's amazing to get here now and I can't thank people enough for the support that I have had over the last few days, cars beeping, people coming out, the donations coming in and hopefully they will keep coming in and to the Greater Manchester Marathon team because without them this event would not have been like this.

"I have been made to feel so welcome and of course my crazy team who are a proper bunch of nutters but they helped me get through it including Dan walking behind me all the time, in case I slipped or fell backwards, so he has been breathing down my neck for nine days and we are ready for a break from each other but he has been amazing and of course my parents and my little girls. I cant thank everybody enough."

Mr Burnham said: "So many people were with you every step of the way and you can see how many people have turned out.

"I wanted to be here for you because you have done something truly, truly exceptional.

"We want to say how proud we are of you and I want to say how proud Greater Manchester has been.

"I have only ever done one marathon in my life and I am in total awe of you in what you have achieved.

"There will be so many people watching what you have done and they will draw strength from you and your amazing resolve and we are all very,very proud of you and what you have done, so well done."

Since her injury, Claire has been raising money and works as a motivational speaker.

It was her second run after taking 17 days to complete the London Marathon in 2012.

Before setting off on the nine-day effort Claire, from Leicestershire, said: “I didn't think I would be doing another marathon!

“In 2012 the London Marathon took me 17 days using the pioneering ReWalk suit, every step is an effort as I am paralysed from the chest down.

“I struggle with no core strength to hold my body upright, and my arms work hard to balance me. However, every step is a step closer to the finish line, and every penny I can raise will help the exciting research Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation are doing.”

"I feel lucky to have the use of my arms as many with neck injuries are unable to do the most basic daily tasks such as feeding themselves , getting dressed etc

"So I am doing my bit to help make a difference. When my arms ache and I am shattered, the reason I am doing it will hopefully mean I can keep putting one foot in front of the other."