Help 4 Heroes

A soldier who lost the use of his legs in a rocket attack in Iraq has completed the London Marathon walking on crutches - two weeks after the race began.

Royal Military Police Officer Major Phil Packer was told by doctors he could never walk again after he was injured in Basra last February, but he proved them wrong.

The 36-year-old walked two miles every day from the marathon starting on April 26, and was cheered on by hundreds of well-wishers along the final mile and as he crossed the finishing line on May 9.

After he was presented with his medal by Sir Steve Redgrave, Major Packer said he hoped to inspire other disabled people to take up sport.

He has already raised £630,000 for the soldiers' charity Help For Heroes and hopes to touch the £1 million mark through sporting challenges.

His next target is a rock climbing expedition in three weeks' time. He is also planning to complete 4,000 pull-ups over a series of days.

Copyright © Press Association

Andrew Buckham from law firm Irwin Mitchell said: "This is a fantastic achievement from a truly inspirational member of the Armed Forces. Not only has Major Phil Packer raised thousands of pounds for Help 4 Heroes, but he is illustrating a real determination and setting an amazing example to everyone."

Irwin Mitchell have been supporting Major Packer in various areas and will continue to back his campaign to raise funds for Help 4 Heroes and his bid to be part of the GB Para Olympic team in 2012.

For more information on claiming Military Injury Compensation, visit our Military Claims page.