Disabled Soldier on Crutches Finishes Marathon in 13 Days

Disabled Soldier on Crutches Finishes Marathon in 13 Days

A disabled British serviceman on crutches realized his dream of completing the London Marathon — 13 days after the race began.

A delighted Major Phil Packer told Sky News: "It's been amazing. I've had fantastic support."

The 36-year-old lost the use of his legs during a rocket attack in Iraq last February and was told he would never walk again.

But he defied predictions to make the start of the 26-mile racein Greenwich on April 26.

Having achieved his target of two miles a day he crossed the finish line in The Mall early Saturday afternoon.

There to greet him and present him with his medal was Olympic rowing legend Sir Steven Redgrave.

Major Packer is hoping to raise $1.5 million for soldiers' charity Help For Heroes. He has already received pledges of more than $900,000.

The soldier, who has also served in Bosnia, Kosovo and Northern Ireland, has already undertaken a series of sporting challenges including rowing across the English Channel.

He said: "Like the other thousands of fundraisers who support Help for Heroes, I have reasons for feeling so passionate about this charity.

"While in hospital I really needed something to pull me through some very dark and lonely days — Help for Heroes has done this and really helped me cope with what has happened."
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