A British Major paralyzed from injuries sustained in the Iraq War is climbing El Capitan to raise money and awareness for other veterans injured in the conflict.
KSBW: Major Phil Packer of the Royal Military Police has raised more than $1.6 million for the charity Help for Heroes, which assists injured service members. He is also hoping to inspire young people with disabilities and raise awareness of sports for the disabled.
“It’s been quite intense, really,” Packer said by phone Monday afternoon as he sat on a ledge about 800 feet up the sheer face of El Capitan, one the world’s most famous granite monoliths.
Packer and fellow climbers began the ascent Sunday and plans to finish on Tuesday afternoon. He is inviting the public to visit www.philpacker.com to follow his progress.
Packer, who is a paraplegic, is expected to make the equivalent of about 4,200 pull-ups during the climb. He is tackling the challenge with expedition leader Andy Kirkpatrick, Paul Tattersall, Ian Parnell and Ben Pritchard.
Above: Major Phil Packer hangs from a wall while climbing El Capitan. Photo courtesy KSBW.