Biggest challenge as disabled person is travelling in UK - it provokes anxiety

14 June 2023 , 23:01

795     0

Claire at the Pride of Sport awards in 2017 (Image: Pete Summers/REX/Shutterstock)

Claire Lomas was paralysed by a horse riding accident in 2007. Since then, the former event rider has done the London Marathon – in 2012, spending 17 days walking the route in a robotic suit, and in 2021 in her wheelchair and motorcycle leathers.

She’s hand-cycled 400 miles, received an MBE, a Daily Mirror Pride of Sport award and lit the cauldron at the London Paralympic Games. And become a mum to Maisie and Chloe.

But Claire, 43, of Melton Mowbray, Leics, who is an inspirational public speaker, still has serious problems travelling around. In ITV’s Access Denied? Britain’s Mobility Problem – Tonight, she investigates the issues many disabled people face...

Being told I’ll never walk again was an incredibly devastating ­experience. It shattered the foundation of what was once considered normal and challenged the very essence of my identity.

The realisation that a fundamental aspect of mobility had been permanently altered, aged just 27, was ­overwhelming. Everyday tasks that were once taken for granted suddenly became monumental hurdles.

Nail salon refuses to serve disabled teen saying it 'doesn't do people like her'

I had reached the highest level in my sport with future goals suddenly being stripped away from me. I lost my career, my relationship fell apart and I woke up each morning hating what I had become. Disabled.

Thankfully I dug deep enough to wade myself through these darkest times, accepting help when I needed it most and going on to achieve things I would have deemed impossible.

Claire did 2012 London Marathon in robotic suit (MDM)

Although it took a lot to come to terms with my spinal cord injury, which left me paralysed from the chest down, it has also opened numerous doors.

Once I decided to focus on what was possible rather than dwelling on the long list of things I could no longer do, my life started to rebuild.

I knew I was lucky to still have use of my arms and I was in a position to help rewrite the future of paralysis by fundraising to support exciting research – new goals were set.

I have raised more than £865,000. So the accident hasn’t held me back in the way I thought it would.

In fact, it still amazes me I can ride a motorbike at speeds of more than 100mph or fly a plane solo and I am eternally grateful for the adaptations that allow me to do this.

I often find myself feeling totally free, able and not defined by my disability but the biggest challenges can be travelling around the UK for work or to go on holiday. The thought of doing this can fill me with anxiety, so much that I rarely travel alone.

Claire was made an MBE in 2017 (Getty Images)

With her husband Dan Spincer after London Marathon feat (ExpressStar)

After recent journeys whilst filming, it has confirmed my fears of being stranded on a train or unable to access a station are legitimate.

My accident was 16 years ago now, and I remember using the train to get to London for rehabilitation. When I discovered how stressed it made me feel I decided to drive each time.

'Disabled people are too often falling off the radar and it's costing lives'

I am in a totally different place mentally these days, meaning I can deal with stressful situations that travelling may present much better, so I do use the trains but in all those years I have not seen any changes.

We still face problems such as having no ramp available to get off the train. When so many things are automated, why can we not access a ramp with a push of a button?

Flights are the same, it is far too common that people’s wheelchairs are damaged, there is no way of using the toilet on the flight and promised assistance never appears.

While I was travelling for this programme, there were times I felt let down, vulnerable and disabled. I know that I am not alone.

Eight in 10 ­disabled people have experienced difficulties while travelling on holiday and it stops some going away for a well-deserved break.

Advocating for inclusivity and accessibility in the travel industry remains crucial, striving towards a world where every individual can explore and experience the wonders of travel without barriers.

* Access Denied? Britain’s Mobility Problem – Tonight, 8.30pm, ITV.

Mirror.co.uk