The true marathon winner

As she crossed the London Marathon finishing line today, some 24 hours after Paula Radcliffe, Clare Forbes was not about to collect a prize for the fastest time.

As she crossed the London Marathon finishing line today, some 24 hours after Paula Radcliffe, Clare Forbes was not about to collect a prize for the fastest time.

But there is little doubt she deserves a medal for courage. For Clare, 21, completed the 26.2 mile course despite competing with two artificial legs over a gruelling 19 hours and 10 minutes.

Four years ago she was in a coma for six months after contracting meningitis. She had a stroke, brain haemorrhage and both legs amputated below the knee. She now suffers dizziness and impaired vision.

Even though she only recently began walking again Clare, a former beauty student from Crawley, became determined to do the marathon to raise money for the Meningitis Trust. The trust's Emi Spinner said: "She started yesterday morning, and finished at 9pm on Mile 14. She went to her hotel and had a meal and a bit of sleep and started again at four this morning."

After crossing the line Clare said: "I'm so chuffed. I did have doubts about whether I would finish, especially towards the end. It feels amazing and was worth all 26 miles.

"The last stretch was the hardest. It started off really quite easy because of all the crowds and cheers. When everyone went home it became a bit boring."

Clare was helped across the finishing line by her stepfather, Effie Verboort, and Hugh Jones, the winner of the 1982 men's marathon.

She admitted feeling "knackered, aching and tired". "My hips really hurt, I've got a big bruise on my shin, I've got bruises on my knees, but I was determined to make it to the end."

Her mother Karen said in an interview: "It's unbelievable really. I was told I could never have her home and that she would never be able to say 'Mum' or be able to speak. We've only had one day when she shed a few tears and since then she's come on and on."

Ms Spinner added: "Clare is so determined. Last night they said they might start again at 2am, so she was up at 1.30 saying 'When do we start?' Her stepdad and her mum were in bed saying, 'We need a rest'."

Clare did her training on a treadmill at home as she tried to get used to a new pair of prosthetic limbs she got in January. Ms Spinner said: "The most she has ever done in training is 12 miles. It is a real achievement."

So far Clare has raised more than £4,000 for the Meningitis Trust through her website, www.justgiving.com/clareforbes