A British soldier injured in a rocket attack in Iraq finally crossed the finishing line of the London Marathon today, two weeks after it began.
Major Phil Packer has been walking the course on crutches, two miles at a time, every day since the race started on April 26th.
The 36-year-old lost the use of his legs during an attack in Basra last February. He was told he would never walk again but has proved the doctors wrong to complete the course.
The Royal Military Police Officer was greeted by hundreds of well-wishers lining the final mile of the course and was presented with his medal by Sir Steve Redgrave after finishing the race at St James's Park on the Mall.
Maj Packer has raised £630,000 for the soldiers' charity Help For Heroes and hopes to collect another £370,000 to reach the £1 million mark.
After he crossed the finishing line, he said the feeling was "bitter sweet" as it came soon after the news of four more deaths in Afghanistan.
"There were others who are coming back injured and my thoughts are really with their families at the moment," he said, ading that the injured would be treated at the military rehabilitation facility Headley Court for which he is raising money.
"I wouldn't be standing here now if it wasn't for the staff at Headley Court. I feel that I am very lucky so many people I met along the way are more injured than I am."
He said the experience of losing the use of his legs had "changed" him. "I understand disability a lot more now. I just think I'm lucky to be able to stand and walk again."
He said the response to his campaign and the crowds gathered to meet him today proved "that the public sincerely care for their troops".
PA