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Inspirational fan defies MS to complete Marathon

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Tom Youngs has described as "inspirational" a Leicester Tigers fan who has defied multiple sclerosis to complete the London Marathon in three-mile chunks.

Over the past year, Clare Hearnden has travelled to London from her home in Nuneaton to complete three miles of the marathon course at a time.
 
The effort left her resting for days after each stage, but she fulfilled her lifetime ambition of completing the London Marathon when she  finished the final leg on her birthday, the same day as Tigers played Wasps in the Aviva Premiership at Welford Road.
 
Tigers players and coaches, including club captain Youngs, Lachlan McCaffrey and her favourite player Adam Thompstone, sent Clare good luck messages ahead of her final push.
 
And afterwards Clare said: "Fatigue is the main problem I have with my MS, along with balance especially when I'm tired, so to train for an actual marathon would be impossible let alone doing one.
 
“There are amazing athletes winning medals, people walking incredible distances, climbing huge mountains, crossing high seas - all so inspiring and inspirational.
 
“However, there are just as many people achieving small things which to them are the mountains, the high seas, the long distances – whatever we've achieved we should all be proud.
 
“I was totally overwhelmed with the messages of support from Tom, Lachlan, Geordan and Adam - it certainly boosted my step on the last walk, thank you!”
 
Youngs said: “It is unbelievable what Clare has been doing over the last few months – an amazing effort. It is very inspirational and she can be very proud.”
 
McCaffrey added: “When it gets tough this season, Clare will be an inspiration to us.”
 
Clare has raised more than £1,300 for MS Society, Pancreatic Cancer UK, Diabetes UK and the British Paralympic Association and there is still chance for Tigers fans to support her by clicking here