British disabled soldier climbs El Capitan in California for charity

From ITN:

An Army officer who was told her would never walk again after suffering horrendous injuries in Iraq is starting his charity climb of El Capitan.

The 1,800ft ascent up a sheer rock face in a US national park comes after Major Phil Packer, (pictured) who has lost the use of his legs, completed the London Marathon in April. The challenge took him two weeks.

He rowed across the Channel in February, almost a year to the day after he was wounded in Basra, southern Iraq.

The climb is the latest in a series of challenges is in a bid to raise money for the charity Help for Heroes.

The 36-year-old, who lives in Westminster, London, has said the three-day climb, which is the equivalent of 4,254 pull-ups, will be his last fundraiser before he concentrates his efforts on promoting opportunities for disabled people.

Maj Packer said: "It's good to try and project a positive message at any stage of life, and particularly with young people."

He added: "I don't know very much about disability - this is my first year, and I'm realising it can be very tough. I've had some very difficult periods through the year and probably will continue to do so.

"Sometimes it is about facing up to fears, seeing what you can do and pushing yourself to new limits."

Maj Packer, of the Royal Military Police, will be climbing alongside Britons Andy Kirkpatrick, Paul Tattersall, Ian Parnell and Ben Pritchard.