Injured soldier resumes Marathon

In February, Maj Packer rowed the English Channel

A paraplegic soldier has begun the second day of his attempt to complete the London Marathon, after admitting he felt "achy" after day one.

Major Phil Packer, 36, of the Royal Military Police, had been injured in a rocket attack in Iraq last February.

He had been told he would never walk again, but aims to finish the race in two weeks, using crutches at a speed of about two miles every day.

The solider from London is hoping to raise £1m for Help for Heroes.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast he said of the the first day: "It was fantastic, beautiful.

It was quite lonely Maj Phil Packer

"But I thought I would experience a bit more of the atmosphere but when I had started and moved round the first corner, everyone had gone.

"It was quite lonely - but I had my mum and dad and friends with me."

Maj Packer, who lives in Westminster, said it took him about two hours to complete one mile.

He added: "I can really understand why my consultant said two miles a day is the limit, as it really was quite hard work.

Bruised heart

"It has taken its toll. I really have to pace myself but it is quite easy when you are excited to go too fast."

Maj Packer, who served with the Royal Military Police, was injured on 19 February last year in Basra. He was hit by a vehicle and dragged underneath it during an incident that followed a rocket attack.

He suffered a bruised heart and damage to his ribs and chest and became a complete paraplegic, losing the motor and sensory use of his legs.

In February, Maj Packer rowed the English Channel in about 15 hours.

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