Claire Thomas, 36, has completed the 5K Great North Run five days after she started it with the help of wearing a bionic suit.

Thomas used a ReWalk suit which costs £43,000 ($32,412) and mimics natural walking. She was supported by her husband, as he helped her walk three miles a day.

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She told the Chronicle Live: "I'm absolutely over the moon. It's been tough – it's been extra tough, I didn't train as much as I would've liked".

"It's very hilly out there. I've not been very well this summer, I've been sick all the time."

The Great North Run, which starts in Newcastle River Tyne and runs to South Shields, is the largest half marathon in the world.

Thomas was paralysed in a horse-riding accident in 2007 at the Osberton International Horse Trials. She broke her back, neck, ribs and punctured a lung.

Thomas started the Great North Run half-marathon on Wednesday (7 September) and crossed the line on Sunday. She is the first person to complete the race this year as the event was held until she finished.

Thomas completed the Vitality London 10K this year and in 2012 she completed the London Marathon which took her 17 days to finish. More than 41,000 people have taken part in the run this year.

The Great North Run was founded in 1981 by Brendan Foster – a former Olympic bronze medallist.

Thomas, who is 16 weeks pregnant, said she struggled to train for the run because of morning sickness.

Since the accident Thomas has successfully raised £500,000 ($376,889) for the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation – a charity which helps to find breakthrough research for those with spinal injuries.

After Thomas completed the race she was greeted by five-year-old daughter and supporters. Her husband was handed a medal for helping her participate, she said: "He's got to run it next year and I'm going to watch him."

Olympic gold medalist Mo Farah has won the men's race for a third year in a row.

He told The BBC: "To be honest I'm knackered. I can hardly talk. It's good to finish on a high here. What a year I've had. I just have to go home now and chill out and see the kids."